Spending a week at the Niobrara Valley Preserve learning about conservation efforts in Nebraska was pretty amazing, and I’m now a certified “master naturalist” who you might see volunteering at regional parks and preserves.
The vast quantities of information came at us quickly. We learned about the geology that formed the land, the rivers that run through it, and all the life around us: plants, insects, birds, reptiles and mammals. We caught, observed and released insects, tadpoles, mice and a shrew. We photographed and uploaded photos to iNaturalist as part of a mini bio-blitz project where we collectively logged more than 200 species, thanks primarily to master gardener and herbalist Kendra. We discussed conservation and environmental education.
Fellow participants came from a variety of professional backgrounds and geographic areas of the state. Each one of them was interesting and compassionate and fun to chat with. I made new friends and feel connected to another fascinating community. Volunteers supported us with good humor and good food. The days of hot temperatures were manageable with cool mornings, an air-conditioned classroom and bunkhouse. And program director Jamie Bachmann orchestrated everything with dedication and patience alongside her delightful dog, Finn. She shared insightful and intriguing quotes to spark conversation, and many of those quotations led me to make a couple of bulky orders with Bookshop.org. I expect a delivery later today!
A highlight of the week was watching a bison herd on a prairie pasture during the golden hour. We sat in the beds of two pickups and rode over the sandy, grass-covered hills to watch the herd of about 300 bison. It’s mating season, so bulls challenged one another with head-butts. Many cows had calves, including one that been born just a day or two before our visit. The sun set as we drove back toward the preserve headquarters.
I’m still processing, looking forward to my first book club meeting to discuss Birding while Indian: A Mixed-Blood Memoir by Thomas Gannon with the group, and expecting to start choosing volunteer engagements as I continue learning.