We've asked a few of our nearest and dearest to contribute a few thoughts to the ONSC blog. This week, we hope you'll enjoy a post from ONSC's very own Teacher Naturalist and Outreach Assistant Naïma Montacer, who is often the face of ONSC at community events, fairs and festivals.
In August of 2008 I moved from the high plains of Amarillo, Texas where I was finishing my masters' degree in Biology, nine hours east to the Ozarks of Arkansas. As I drove away that day with my car packed with all the belongings I could fit in my small vehicle I had no idea what to expect. I moved into one of four apartments at the Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) and quickly realized I would be in the woods far away from what seemed like everything.
My co-workers at ONSC embraced me and two years later I am still an Arkansas resident. As a Teacher Naturalist I learned right along with the students the plants and animals of the Ozarks and adapted to my new home. Being around liked minded people with passions of their own pushed me to figure out where I fit in. In April of 2010 I was asked to help ONSC try some new ideas, such as a monthly E-Newsletter and co-chair (with Candice Haines, former 5th grade ONSC attendee) the ONSC Corps, a volunteer group supporting ONSC, as well as keep my duties as Teacher Naturalist. In these past couple months I have enjoyed growing myself and ONSC through community events and marketing opportunities.
ONSC has many exciting opportunities on the rise. About 4000 students visit ONSC every year hiking the trails, identifying insects, star gazing at night and much more. Program participants leave with an appreciation for the environment that we Teacher Naturalists hope they carry throughout their lives. Visiting with past students at events and recounting their ONSC experience and their current conservation practices and sharing these experiences with co-workers is proof of the impact a one night school trip can have on the world.
ONSC is a great place to inspire kids to turn their video games and tv’s off and go outside and play. With the community work I have been challenged with I hope to extend the reach of the ONSC mission (to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the Ozark natural environment) to outside our amazing facilities at Bear Hollow. Therefore, if you have not yet signed up to receive the ONSC E-newsletter please visit our website (www.onsc.us)! Also, friend us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and follow our blog! To learn more about the ONSC Corps email corps@onsc.us.
ONSC Supporter Angie Albright (L) and Naïma Montacer at the 2010 NWA Green Expo
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