Curiosity about the world around us is apparent in every step of Carolyn’s journey from her childhood in a Philadelphia suburb to her present status as a board member for the RGVCTMN.
Early experiences as a Brownie and Girl Scout, as well as summers spent in Rhode Island with her grandparents, developed a love of the outdoors that she never lost. Whether it was a camping trip or a day at the beach, Carolyn’s delight in nature grew.
She started college at the University of Delaware, but when her father moved to Houston to work on the Apollo project, she transferred to the University of Texas – Austin.
The difference between the east coast and Texas amazed and captivated her imagination. The Hill Country and Galveston beach enriched her growing passion for the outdoors. As the years came and went, she married, had two children and attended graduate school in Texas and the Florida panhandle before moving to western Pennsylvania.
In each new location, she grew to appreciate the outdoors through hiking, biking and camping. In1972, the family moved to Colorado, where they spent their weekends skiing and backpacking in the mountains.
She and her husband divorced while her daughters were in college. She continued spending time in the outdoors and when she met her husband, Paul, she shared her love with him. He had never camped, hiked or spent time in the mountains but he soon grew into an outdoor enthusiast.
While living in Colorado she attend the University of Northern Colorado where she earned a Master of Science in Special Education for Learning Disabled and Emotionally Disturbed Children. Twenty years later at the University of Denver, she earned a Master’s level certification as a school principal.
She spent her career in education as a classroom teacher, educational consultant, and Special Education teacher in public and private schools. She spent six years as the director of a childcare center.
After her second retirement, she and Paul spent two-and-a-half years tenting across the country before moving to South Padre Island.
Imagine my surprise when I moved to the RGV. Everything was different – again. I didn’t recognize the plants. I soon learned that many plants, and even some trees, had thorns. There were new snakes, insects and animals. I vividly remember spending at least half an hour in an outdoor bathroom at Bentsen State Park taking pictures of insects and spiders I’d never seen before.
Once we settled in our new home, I realized I was not ready to retire and began teaching at Episcopal Day School in Brownsville. The campus is filled with plants, insects, birds and other wildlife that were new to me.
Carolyn’s second grade class assumed responsibility for taking care of the bird feeders. Along with her students, she learned about Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, Muscovy Ducks, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Parrots and other species that visited.
She joined the 2009 class of the Texas Master Naturalist class to learn more about the RGV, and through it, developed a special love for the birds. Carolyn began photographing them and studying their behaviors.
The SPI Birding Center opened that year, and Carolyn happily became one of its original volunteers. As a teacher, she shared the experience with her students on field trips to the birding center. She began making bird books with her class and taught them to identify the birds on their campus.
When Carolyn retired from education for the third time, she spent more time volunteering at the birding center and for the RGV chapter. She served as chairperson for the Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo (WOWE) for several years. She also spent several years as the New Class Director for the chapter.
She continues to volunteer at the birding center, greeting visitors, leading bird walks, and guiding school field trips. Carolyn shared her current goals.
At the birding center I will encourage visitors to enjoy learning about the birds and reptiles with the hope that they will increase their interest in wildlife.
As a member of the RGVCTMN board, I want to help our members have a variety of opportunities, increase their interest in nature, and share their knowledge and expertise as volunteers throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Her interview spoke of an insatiable curiosity that grew an outdoor-loving Brownie into a well-traveled adult who never lost her inquisitiveness about the world around her. She shines brightly as a role model for new (and experienced) members of our Texas Master Naturalist chapter.
Just in case you need more verification, in 2019, TMN honored Carolyn with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for completing 4,000 hours of service.
Enough said!
Congratulations, Carolyn. You are amazing!