What are your volunteer activities at WPC?

I’ve been involved in a variety of projects in the field as well as performed administrative duties. It is all important work — even the most tedious work has a role.

• Field surveys (bees, butterflies, moth black lighting, vernal pools)
• Planting native plants in habitat restoration areas
• Controlling invasive plants (and catching chiggers)
• Databasing specimen data
• Mail merge of Microsoft Excel data to generate specimen labels
• Labeling voucher specimens of insects

How did you become involved with WPC?

I met Betsy Leppo through the Friends of Pinchot State Park, and learned that she works as an invertebrate zoologist for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. I told her I’d be interested in doing volunteer work for the program.

How long have you been a volunteer with us and what motivates you to stay involved at WPC?

I have been a volunteer with WPC since 2018. I enjoy learning something new about our environment and although my contribution may be small, I am glad to be a part of it. I also love the dedication of the people who have made working with, sharing their knowledge about and saving our environment their career.

Tell us about your favorite volunteer experience at WPC?

Field work looking for grizzled skipper and frosted elfin butterflies.

What has surprised you most about working with WPC?

The variety of things that WPC is involved in. I have always enjoyed the outdoors; however, working as a volunteer has opened my eyes to so many plants and species around us.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

I am chair of the Friends of Gifford Pinchot State Park, and I like hiking, biking, kayaking and camping.

What might we be surprised to know about you?

I manage a book club for a local yoga studio, enjoy jigsaw puzzles and have three grandchildren.