Katie Says: Allow me to introduce myself!

Hello! And welcome to a new feature here on the Briar Blog, “Katie Says:” This will be a weekly feature where I will write about wonders of the natural world, answer commonly asked questions at Briar Bush, or share other personal nature-related experiences.

I thought that since this was my first entry, that it would only be polite to introduce myself. I am Katie Fisk, a new environmental educator who started with Briar Bush back in September of 2009. I moved here from Florida, but before you start feeling bad for me “Oh! A Floridian stuck in a Pennsylvania winter!” I will tell you that I spent the first 18 years of my life in North Dakota. Yup, winters here are far milder by comparison! Amongst my other job responsibilities, writing and teaching on and off-site programs with my colleagues, I am also launching a new program series, “Family Programs with The Nature Geek!” This monthly series features fun, interactive programs that will entertain and educate both child and adult alike. I hope to see all of you at a program sometime!

Before I sign off for this week’s entry, of course I must include a nature story! Although Punxsutawney Phil predicted yesterday that we will have six more weeks of winter, I have begun to see signs of spring! Just this weekend I noticed a group of European starlings whose beaks had changed from their dark winter coloration to the bright yellow of the breeding season. It seems these marvelous mimics are making all the preparations to strut their stuff in hopes of attracting the perfect mate. And why not? Valentine’s Day is only 11 days away!

Have a question or a story of your own to share? Email me at kfisk[at symbol]briarbush.org!