GET TO KNOW YOUR NATURALIST
Hello! I am Angela Leone, from Worland. I was born in Illinois, but I have also lived in Michigan and Georgia. Now I live in Wyoming, and I am glad for the dry air!
What naturalist class did you “graduate” with?
I became a Wyoming Naturalist in the class of 2022.
Tell us a bit about your journey to conservation, natural resources, and/or the outdoors.
Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, my “natural” world was limited to forest preserves and botanic gardens. I feel like my real “journey” began when I moved to Wyoming ten years ago and I was able to replace the wonder of man-made convenience with the brilliant complexities of the natural world. How could I be surrounded by deserts, mountains, and rivers without succumbing to the fascination and curiosity that those biomes inspire?
What was your favorite Wyoming Naturalist class, and why?
I loved all the classes and instructors, but Geology is one of my weakest knowledge bases and I really appreciated the excellent resources in that session.
What topic would you like to learn more about through the Wyoming Naturalist program?
I could definitely use some more hands-on Geology training. The geologic formations of our region are the literal foundation of its biodiversity, and I struggle to get a handle on the relationship between things like geology and botany.
Tell us your favorite Wyoming Naturalist-tied volunteer moment or experience.
I absolutely adore the yearly eagle survey that I participate in because it gets me out of the house and enjoying nature in the middle of winter!
Where is your favorite spot in the great outdoors, and why?
Yellowstone National Park. It is the place where I saw my first Bald eagle, black bear, and wild bison in person. How lucky we are to live so close to such a treasure!
What is your favorite naturalist book, either fiction or non-fiction?
My favorite naturalist book is The Eagle Tree by Ned Hayes. It holds a special place in my heart because it was recommended to me by a former student who was inspired to learn more about nature because of that book.
Do you have a favorite snack or camping meal when you go out on projects or hiking?
I like Mountain House Adventure Meals for a quick, hot dinner after a long day of hiking. They are surprisingly tasty and light to pack.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I once rescued an Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) out of a dumpster. I am devastated when people throw plants away. It is now healthy and thriving in my living room.
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
I have a passion for children’s education. I am planning to start an ecology program through my local 4-H extension program this September.
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 information as the weekend approaches.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Rocky Mountain Amphibian Project: Adopt a site and survey it for amphibians once or twice this summer! Data collected in this project is used by WGFD for long-term amphibian monitoring. Visit https://www.wyomingbiodiversity.org/index.php/community-science/rocky-mountain-amphibian-project/adopt-catchment to register for a site in the Medicine Bow, Bridger-Teton, or Routt National Forests!
Mullen Wildfire Community Science Initiative: Adopt a site and conduct a vegetation survey. Data from this project is used by a research lab at the University of Wyoming to study herbicide effects and microbial diversity post-fire. Visit https://www.wyomingbiodiversity.org/index.php/community-science/mullen-wildfire-community-science-initiative/mullen-fire-initiative-community-science-registration to register for a site.
Weed management/stewardship in the Bridger-Teton National Forest: Arne Johanson is seeking volunteers to help pull weeds and apply herbicides to restore native vegetation in the Game Creek area south of Jackson. Volunteers will be trained and work alongside licensed professionals. Work begins mid-May. Please contact Arne at arne_kj@yahoo.com or call 858-759-4769 if you would like to volunteer.\
Wyoming BioBlitz at Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site. Birds, plants and more! June 9th-11th Registration open. If you are interested in volunteering your time to help let Jacelyn know. A BioBlitz is a 24-hour period in which the public team ups with biologists to search for and document as many plants, animals and insects as they can find within a certain location. The Wyoming BioBlitz has taken place in a new location each summer since 2008 to learn about our unique ecosystems throughout the state. In addition to contributing to science, the BioBlitz provides a hands-on opportunity to learn from experts. Participants meet local scientists and learn how they study their subjects. No experience needed, only a willingness to dig in and have fun learning. For the BioBlitz, you can use the website link: https://rockies.audubon.org/naturalist/wyoming-bioblitz 
Bird Banding season runs May 31st-August 8th. Want to volunteer? Contact Zach for Casper dates and Jacelyn for the Keyhole State Park banding dates.
Remember that you can always check our Volunteer Opportunities webpage for a list of even more
opportunities! http://wyomingnaturalists.wyobiodiversity.org/index.php/service/volunteer-opportunities
All our advanced training opportunities are listed a http://wyomingnaturalists.wyobiodiversity.org/index.php/training
AWARDS – NOMINATIONS REQUESTED
We appreciate the dedication of Wyoming Naturalists to steward the state's natural resources through conservation education and service. As you may know certification and service milestones are recognized each year at the Annual Meeting.
In addition to pins, the Wyoming Naturalists Program recognizes exceptional service with two awards:
Wyoming Stewardship Award - for exemplary service to Wyoming conservation
This award recognizes a Wyoming Naturalist whose volunteer service has had a real impact on conservation in Wyoming, above and beyond the requirements of the Wyoming Naturalist Program.
The awardee will have provided service that has accomplished one or more of the following:
• Made a significant difference in improving the quality of the environment in Wyoming.
• Demonstrated a long-term commitment to conservation service.
• Provided information to educate the public about the environment.
• Contributed to protection of the environment for future generations.
• Demonstrated coalition-building skill to maximize involvement by others.
• Served as a role model.
Wyoming Naturalists are invited to nominate themselves or a colleague by submitting a letter of nomination to Wyoming-Naturalists@uwyo.edu The letter should include a complete and concise description of the nominee's activities as they relate to the above criteria. Nominations are due by August 15.
Sagebrush Sheepmoth Award - for service to the Wyoming Naturalist Program
This award recognizes the exceptional work of a Wyoming Naturalist in support of the Wyoming Naturalist Program. The WNP relies on the efforts of members to maintain, improve and expand the program across our beautiful state. Wyoming Naturalists are invited to nominate themselves or a colleague by submitting a letter of nomination to Wyoming-Naturalists@uwyo.edu The letter should include a complete and concise description of the nominee's activities that have resulted in improvement or expansion of the WNP. Nominations are due by August 15.