Writing this blog has been an unexpectedly fascinating experience. The breadth of experiences, the intense and often life-long love affairs with nature, and the natural friendliness of the chapter members have, in a few short months, enriched my life. Diane Hall is one of these outstanding role models and I’m honored to share her story.
I became a Rio Grande Valley Chapter Texas Master Naturalist with the class of 2020, because I wanted to know more about this unique area.
Diane Hall, who has spent a lifetime studying, enjoying and sharing our natural world, has jumped with both feet into the wonders of the Rio Grande Valley.
It’s a different world than where she grew up in southeast Iowa. Not just the people and culture, but equally important to Diane, the natural world. She loved her youth and best shares it in her own words.
My own connections with nature began as a youngster growing up on an acreage with woods and pasture to roam in, trees to climb, a pond to fish, and horses and bikes to ride. The rich deciduous woods of southeastern Iowa provided my first experiences with mossy boulders, trickling streams, quartz and sandstone, ephemeral spring wild flowers, morel mushrooms, blue jays and cardinals, and the freedom to wander, wonder, and explore.
Diane earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University.
Summer experiences in a variety of settings continued to shape me … Scouting and 4-H camps, Iowa Youth Conservation Corps, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Everglades, camp counselor, park attendant, and research assistant to graduate students in both Iowa and South Dakota.
It was in Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota that I decided to become a Naturalist instead of a Wildlife Biologist. While tent camping for the month that I assisted a graduate student with prairie dog research, I attended many of the campground programs. That sparked my interest of sharing the natural world with others.
After three years as an Environmental Education Consultant with an Area Education Agency in northern Iowa, she landed her dream job as a Naturalist with the Marshall County Conservation Board in central Iowa; a position she held for 30 years and enjoyed immensely. She retired in September 2016.
From preschoolers through senior citizens, she loved sharing the mysteries and joys of nature.
‘Oh, you’re the Owl Lady or you’re the Bug Lady,’ were comments that always brought a smile to her face but her interests were much broader than a single species.
I encouraged the development of conservation-minded citizens – exploring the Iowa woods, prairies, and wetlands with children and adults to instill a ‘sense of wonder’ as Rachel Carson would say.
One of my favorite activities was tagging monarch butterflies in the fall. What a delight to see the excitement of someone successfully netting a monarch and the joy spreading over their face as the then tagged monarch flutters away from their open palm to continue its southward migration.
She understood that connecting people to nature in a personal way can plant a seed and be a catalyst in developing individuals who value nature and hopefully, become conservation-minded citizens.
She and her husband, John, visited friends in the Rio Grande Valley in early 2017. They returned in January 2019 as Winter Texans and after two years of renting, purchased a mobile home near La Feria.
Diane knew many of the plants and animals that shared her Iowa world. However, when she became a Winter Texan, she found herself constantly wondering … What’s that plant, bird, insect, reptile, etc?
Through the Texas Master Naturalist program, she wanted to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Rio Grande Valley and be able to share that knowledge with others. As a certified TMN, she hopes to make a positive difference … from planting and maintaining native plants for wildlife, conserving natural resources, and sharing the wonders of nature.
I’ve been having fun planting for wildlife in my new yard this year and encouraging others in our park to plant native plants. Watching and learning about the new birds and insects here is enjoyable as well … now if I can just remember it all!
On Thursday mornings, she volunteers at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in Harlingen as part of the Ebony Loop Team, which maintains the specialty gardens on the south side of the city park. It’s proven to be a great way for her to learn about plants and make some wonderful RGVCTMN friends.
I’ve also been learning more about the flora and fauna of the RGV as the new editor of The Chachalaca newsletter. I appreciate all the contributions from both the Rio Grande Valley Chapter and the South Texas Border Chapter of TMN. Working on the newsletter has been a good way to stay connected to Texas when I’m back in Iowa for the summer. As the new Communication Director for this year, I’ve learned more about the leadership of our TMN chapter and also became a part of the Pelican Squadron Committee. Both of these positions have allowed me to get to know more fellow TMNs and stay connected.
Although her husband is ready to stay in the RGV, grandchildren draw her back to central Iowa.
I hope to develop a sense of wonder about nature in my two (soon to be three) young granddaughters, spend time with Iowa family and friends, and play in the dirt of my flower and vegetable gardens.
She added that they still have to finish rebuilding a teardrop trailer in Iowa so she and John can explore more of Texas and other states.
I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to explore portions of God’s natural world … from the vista atop Long’s Peak (in Rocky Mountain National Park) to the monarch-covered trees in Mexico or the glowing orange hillsides of New England in fall. I’m more than ready to continue wandering, wondering, and exploring… and sharing the joy of nature.
The RGV Chapter is fortunate that Diane has her unquenchable interest in nature and that, just a few short years ago, she came here to visit friends.
Of all the photos Diane shared, I must add … she makes a great turtle!
