GET TO KNOW YOUR NATURALIST
I’m Kathy Lichtendahl. I grew up on Prince Edward Island, Canada. I currently live in Clark, Wyoming.
What naturalist class did you “graduate” from?
What naturalist class did you “graduate” from?
I grew up in a time and place in which I had the freedom to roam and explore the wild environment for miles around my home and I took full advantage of the opportunity to do so. I have always been more comfortable surrounded by nature than in an urban setting so when my husband and I moved to Clark in 1994, I felt like I had found the place where I belonged. I have served on the boards of a number of non-profit conservation organizations and I am constantly amazed at how much I learn from the scientists who work for the NGO's as well as by simply spending time outdoors. I currently spend a number of weeks a year working as a hiking and/or photography guide for several different companies in Yellowstone.
What was your favorite "class subject" during your naturalist training?
Entemology. I can't get enough of the insects!
Is there something you would like to learn more about through the program?
I would love to learn more about each of the topics covered. I hope that in future we can continue to develop advanced learning opportunities that allow for increased knowledge on a wide variety of subjects.
What has your favorite volunteer experience been? Why?
That is hard hard to answer because each one has been so much fun! I have really enjoyed volunteering with Absaroka Fence Initiative because there are lots of chances to jump in and help with tearing down or modifying fences to make them more wildlife friendly. I can see the incredible difference made in how mule deer, elk and pronghorn move across the landscape once often unnecessary barriers have been removed.
Where is your favorite spot in the great outdoors, and why?
My favorite spot is my backyard because it is a refuge for a wide variety of native wildlife and vegetation. I sometimes feel like I am living in the middle of a nature preserve. I give thanks everyday for the opportunity to be a caretaker on this amazing landscape.
What is your favorite naturalist book, either fiction or non-fiction?
"Beetles of Western North America" by Dr. Arthur Evans.
Do you have a favorite snack when you go out on projects or hiking?
Anything with nuts.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I love to travel and explore remote locations around the world.
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
I love the Wyoming Naturalist Program and hope it continues to grow and thrive well into the future.
we need you!
We’re looking for volunteers to be featured in our “Get To Know Your Naturalist” column!
It’s easy! All you have to do is answer some questions and provide us with a pic.
We love getting to know a bit more about our volunteers!
Willing to step up? Send an email to Jennie Lawrence at missjennae@yahoo.com
She’ll be in touch!
GOSHEN CIRCLE BIRD COUNT
The intrepid volunteer crew of the 2023 Goshen Circle Audubon Christmas Bird Count tallied more than 6,000 birds on Dec 17th!
Covering a 15-mile-diameter circle, WNP members and other birders spotted 47 species, including owls, falcons, ducks, mergansers and more. Read more about it at https://wyofile.com/christmas-for-the-birds/
WELCOME 2024 COHORT
Training for the 2024 WNP cohort begins on February 7th, and we are excited to get to know all 32 of the new naturalists-in-training.
The WNP is piloting a new program with this cohort—capstone projects! Trainees will have the option of joining a group to work together on a project throughout the duration of the basic training. Trainees who participate in the capstone projects will earn volunteer hours, get to know others in their cohort better, and create a product that will be utilized by the WNP’s partner agencies and organizations.
We look forward to seeing their capstone project outcomes at the May field session!
We don't want to lose you!
Have a new email address? Please send it to Mason at mlee37@uwyo.edu so that she can update our files.
