Georgette Guernsey, Class of 2004
What inspired you to become a Master Naturalist?
I was new to the Dallas area and missed the active bird watching community I was part of in Lufkin,TX. The Elm Fork chapter of Master Naturalist was starting a new class so I applied and began a very active life style among people who shared my outlook on life.
On what type of projects do you typically spend your service hours, or are they varied?
Mostly I have created bird checklists for places like Elm Fork Creek Nature Center in Denton, Heard Museum in McKinney, and Bonham State Park in Fannin County. I have also worked for 10 years on the Breeding Bird Survey for U.S. Geological Survey’s Eastern Ecological Science Center and counted Eastern Bluebirds for Audubon’s Climate Watch. Every year I participate in Project Feederwatch. For the city of Prosper I spent a summer developing a plant checklist for our neighborhood butterfly garden. For the Texas A&M’s TX/OK Pollinator Project I counted insects that visited the native plants in my yard.
Citizen Science in your community? You Betcha!
When you were taking the Master Naturalist classes, do you have a favorite lesson that has stuck with you?
I enjoyed getting to know the county extension agents and the park rangers who were mentors to our class.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and perhaps what you like to do in your spare time?
I’ve lived and traveled in Asia and Mexico. I enjoy reading nonfiction books on a wide range of topics. I also quilt
Is there one thing that you’d like to tell others who are thinking of becoming a Master Naturalist or perhaps current members who might need a little bit of inspiration?
I’ve enjoyed the past twenty-one years living in Dallas because of the friends I have made through Master Naturalist. The time has flown by so quickly and I have learned so much. My life would have been so dull and limited if I have not been part of the Master Naturalist organization.
Volunteer Service Questionnaire – created by Andrea Ridout, Class of 2009
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