SAVE THE DATE!
Mark your calendar for the WNP annual meeting, September 23 & 24! We are planning a weekend of service, learning, fun and celebration—including, but not limited to, owl banding, river cleanup, WNP training and service recognition, and a visit to the Speas Fish Hatchery. All this based from the Isaak Walton League Lodge in Casper, Saturday morning through Sunday morning. Watch for more infor-mation as the weekend approaches.
DOROTHY TUTHILL IS RETIRING 
Dorothy is retiring from University of Wyoming and the steering committee at the end of the month, but is excited to continue to be part of the WNP as a naturalist! She’s looking forward to having more time to spend exploring the outdoors and nature journaling! She was one of the driving forces that began the Wyoming Naturalist Program and we thank her for all the time and heart she has invested in making it such a success!
GET TO KNOW YOUR NATURALIST 
Hi, I am Rachel Gunn Carr. I was born in upstate New York (Syracuse) and grew up in northern Virginia. I have lived in Laramie since 2013.
What naturalist class did you “graduate” with?
2nd Cohort, 2022.
Tell us a bit about your journey to conservation, natural resources, and/or the outdoors.
For most of my life I have been involved in health,fitness, and wellness. Most recently, I opened a gym in Laramie. With the Covid pandemic, I had to close it after seven years. One door closed and others opened. I was interested in gardening and took a job at a local greenhouse. I loved it! I went on to earn my Wyoming Master Gardener certification. I opted to go back to graduate school and earn a degree in Environment, Natural Resources, and Society (ENRS) with a minor in Collaborative Practice. My goal has been to find work in outdoor recreation and conservation space. During my first semester, I also took part in the Naturalist training program to gain additional hands-on skills and knowledge. Since then, I’ve gotten more involved with community projects and organizations ranging from work with Rooted in Laramie, Laramie Rivers Conservation District, Berry Biodiversity Institute, Pilot Hill, and more.
What was your favorite Wyoming Naturalist class, and why?
My favorite class subject was Interpretation.
What topic would you like to learn more about through the Wyoming Naturalist program?
I would like to learn more about large game animals.
Tell us your favorite Wyoming Naturalist-tied volunteer moment or experience.
I have enjoyed working with the Laramie Rivers Conservation District planting trees and getting to know the staff. I have been able to ask a lot of questions and learn more about what they do and how they do it. They have provided me with insights into how the organization operates and the stakeholders they work for.
Where is your favorite spot in the great outdoors, and why?
My favorite spot in the great outdoors is on Lake Champlain in Vermont. I spent much of my childhood there and love everything about the place, the view, and the memories.
What is your favorite naturalist book, either fiction or non-fiction?
Where the Water Goes: Life and Death Along the Colorado River, by David Owen, or Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner.
Do you have a favorite snack or camping meal when you go out on projects or hiking?
Haribo Ginger Lemon Gummi candy.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
My resting heart rate is 33.
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
I am an avid swimmer, runner, and cyclist. I am married and have 11 pets (9 cats and 2 dogs.) I am set to graduate from the University of Wyoming with an M.S. in ENRS in December 2023!
WYOMING STATEWIDE BIOBLITZ 
How many species can you spot in four days? Wyoming Statewide BioBlitz is the time to find out! From July 21-24, nature lovers across Wyoming will be exploring outdoor areas— from backyards and city parks to national parks, public lands, and more—to observe as many plant and animal species as possible and record them using iNaturalist.
Why? Observations submitted during Statewide Wyoming BioBlitz will provide data for real-world studies that inform conservation science, helping to protect Wyoming’s birds, wildlife, plants, and other natural resources. Plus, getting outside and spotting new species is a fun, exciting way to contribute to conservation!
Join in from anywhere in Wyoming, any time throughout the event for as long as you’d like. Learn more and register to get started.
2023 COHORT INITIAL TRAINING IS COMPLETE!
The 2023 cohort of WNP met May 20th & 21st in Sinks Canyon State Park for their in-person field session. The weather cooperated this year with no snow or challenging temperatures. Lots of learning happened and a great deal of fun!
