Wishing peace

Happy New Year!

In case you’re wondering where I can be found, I took a position as a botanist/ecologist in the South Zone of the Monongahela National Forest, with USDA Forest Service, in February 2023. I’m in Marlinton, WV, learning lots, with a terrific crew, and slowly figuring out how everything works—I have a red card that allows me to help with prescribed fires and am now certified as a class A sawyer! I had the chance to take a pollinator position in Alabama, but wanted to be closer to Mom, who turned 90 last March and lives not too far away in VA. I miss Greensboro folks and others I got to see more regularly, as well as Xerces folks, but it’s good to grow. Hoping to go cross-country skiing with a big snow expected this weekend. I got to see 4 otters (!) with 2 eagles watching them eat fish, plus my 2nd beaver during the Christmas Bird Count. I’ll be thrilled if I get to see the rare rusty patched bumble bee and spotted skunk that inhabit these parts. LOTS to explore. Although Marlinton has only ~900 residents now, it has a wonderful Opera House with a terrific series of performances and the region offers lots to attract visitors, including a music camp here in June and two maple festivals. And Blacksburg is just 2 hours. Hope you’ll come visit!

Wishing joy and peace, as always! Praying for an end to war.

With love, Nancy