The Heartwood Chapter Advisor, Diana Foss, received the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Chapter Advisor Award at the 2018 Annual Meeting. The TMN Annual Meeting was held in Georgetown, Texas in October 2018.
Diana Foss accepting the Chapter Advisor award at the 2018 TMN Annual Meeting. (photo by Julie Vickers)
Diana has served as the Heartwood Chapter Advisor since the chapter started in 2004. She is an Urban Wildlife Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Her nomination was submitted by Anita Tiller and states,”Diana has always been a well-prepared, knowledgeable, gentle advocate for Texas wildlife and a dedicated partner for events, classes and programs sponsored or supported by our Heartwood Chapter. Diana’s gentle demeanor encourages the confidence of volunteers and helps build and maintain cohesive volunteer projects. She freely donates her time, answering questions to educate interns and members, dispensing advice to our Board, and encouraging the development and strengthening of relationships between our Chapter and its partners. As our Chapter Advisor, Diana is a patient listener, dedicated to increasing communication and encouraging leadership skills. Her counsel is considerate and inclusive, focusing on common ground, and supporting our Chapter’s work to uphold the Texas Master Naturalist mission. For over 14 years, her positive influence as a Chapter Advisor has provided a sense of continuity and sustained the Boards she has worked with, gently encouraging and advising us as we navigate the often complex task of creating cohesion amid diversity.”
Plaque presented to Diana Foss for the Chapter Advisor Award (photo by Julie Vickers)
Diana’s presentation at the 2017 Conservation Easement Workshop is available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSri4-FoxtY ) and demonstrates her ability to relate to her audience while relaying vital information. Diana is also one of the Women in Bat Conservation. She provides our chapter with advanced training about this urban dweller and recruits volunteers for the Houston Bat Team who make themselves available to answer questions as bats depart for their nightly foraging.
Diana has proven to be a steadfast and devoted influence for the Heartwood Chapter.
Award presentation at the 2018 TMN Annual Meeting (photo by Julie Vickers)