It's early fall, and we have been feeling the “chill” of fall for a couple of weeks now. I can’t speak for everyone, but I know Simon, Pedro, Lilly, and Cedric appreciate it! How do I know that farm animals appreciate the cooler air? Because the crisp air puts them in a fantastic moo-d!
I think we are all in a good mood right now with so many exciting things going on at the Nature Center. We are excited about the grand opening of our new wetland and prairie trail and viewing areas, where visitors get to see the results of over two years of hard work by the University of Mount Union faculty, staff, students, HBNC volunteers, and numerous others. This new resource will be a legacy for the future to enjoy and is already a haven for abundant new wildlife.
As we begin to forge ahead with a bold new vision outlined in our new strategic plan and supported by University administration, faculty, staff, and students, we invite you to get involved and learn about new programs. We will be calling on our patrons, volunteers, alumni, and students to help us achieve this bold new vision that will require a team effort to make the HBNC a destination for undergraduate research, a community resource for sustainable living, and to continue our wonderful legacy of environmental education and outreach.
Lastly, I am excited to announce that Amy Miller has joined our team as Environmental Education Outreach Coordinator. Amy has a wealth of experience working in Stark County schools, having also worked previously (in our early years) at the HBNC when she was a student at UMU. Her wealth of knowledge and skills will enable us to embark on a new chapter of environmental education outreach to high schools while simultaneously working with the UMU Office of Admissions to recruit top science-oriented high school graduates to our programs. Amy will be a wonderful addition to not only the HBNC but also the University of Mount Union. Please join me in welcoming Amy (back) to the Raider community!
Sincerely,
Jason A. Smith, Ph.D.,
Director of the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center