​I’ve been interested in nature my entire life. As a child a neighbor taught me about turtles. My grandfather and I caught minnows so we could fish. I walked fence rows with mom searching for wildflowers. Whip-poor-wills announced bedtime.  When it was time for college though, I had to pay my own way. So, I took the practical route of choosing Information Technology.

It was a good career, but weekends were spent outside camping, hiking and birding. Fortunately, my husband enjoyed these activities, and the kids went along. I volunteered in school programs until they graduated.

As retirement approached, I started preparing myself for what might come next.  I started with an Indiana Master Naturalist class. I highly recommend this for anyone with a variety of nature interests.  I say, this “ruined me.”  I learned so much about nature, but I also learned about invasive plants.  To get the required volunteer hours, I volunteered through Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation.  I was still actively working so I needed something flexible.  CCPR was just starting to map invasive species in their parks, and I was hooked.  We live literally “between” Fishers and Carmel in an un-annexed portion of Hamilton County along the White River, so I worked on mapping all the parks on the east side of Carmel.  Because of this when I heard Hamilton County was starting a CISMA (cooperative invasive species management area), I attended the meetings that organized HIP. I’ve been active ever since.

Currently I am a steward for a 2-acre native habitat at my church and for CILTI’s Nonie Werbe Krass Nature Preserve.  NWK is my favorite natural area in Hamilton County, because it is walking distance from home.  I walk there 3 or more times per week. Spending so concentrated time in one area allows me to learn the plants in depth in all seasons of the year. Working as a volunteer is REWARDING.  I feel like I am helping our shared world, keeping myself healthy and meeting wonderful people.

Feeling inspired? Join us in making a difference! Whether you're passionate about preserving our environment, giving back to the community, or just looking for some new friends, we’d love to have you on our team.