Pima Master Naturalists Happenings

By Dana Hook

It is wonderful to be celebrating the monsoons in Tucson with an early rain on June 21st.  The smell of greenness and sighs of relief show that moisture is in the air. I hope that all of you have a chance to experience some of the excitement that comes with our storms and renewed rain.

The Steering Committee for PCMN met May 28th with the following members participating: : Dana Hook, Peggy Ollerhead, Izetta Feeny, Vicki Ettleman, and Deb Petrich (by phone).  (see a photo) We meet quarterly, as the role of our committee has changed over the past year with the State organization taking on more of the responsibilities as well as us now having an engaged Chapter Sponsor, Pima County.  Melissa Mundt is our Chapter Advisor representing the County within our organization.  We are all adjusting to these changes, and we have some leadership roles that are so important to what we have the opportunity to do together as a Chapter: Timekeeper, Communications, Outreach, Advanced Training, and Partnerships.  These important roles have committees that appreciate a diversity of ideas and assistance. These are good places for our members to get some of their volunteer hours and help us continue as a strong Chapter.  

Speaking of volunteers, I was so pleased to have five members from Cohort-8 attend the Steering Committee meeting on May 28th. (see photo)  The enthusiasm they have towards our Chapter is infectious.  I believe all five of them agreed to some committee work just at that meeting.  More of us working together bringing our ideas for Chapter events, volunteering at our Partner events, and showing up for our own Advanced Training, socializing, and members meetings will continue to grow our Chapter and make a difference here in our County.

Listed below are the events that we discussed that the May 28th meeting for you to attend and support:

1) Tucson Audubon Birding Festival Tabling–August 9th and 10th

2) Mission Garden Critter Night tabling – August TBD

3) Catalina State Park behind the scenes with reptiles two mornings in August TBD

4) Cavinr Field Trip – October TBD

5) Member Meetings – October and November

6) Annual Meeting/Holiday Party – December 

Deb Petrich will send out invitations and details regarding these events.  I hope to see you there.  Dana