Welcome to the March 2024 edition of the Natural Resources Institute newsletter. As we witness the early arrival of spring, we are vividly reminded of the profound effects of climate change and the importance of our outreach mission. This month, we also honor the legacy of Estella Leopold, whose enduring contributions to science remind us of the impact one individual can have on our understanding of the natural world, an inspiration during Women’s History Month.
In this edition you will find updates from Extension’s Maple Syrup Program and ideas for how we can adapt our practices to address changing conditions. We also celebrate the importance of citizen scientists through a story about an important discovery by a dedicated citizen scientist and Master Naturalist and a story about a project where volunteers track local weather and climate conditions that support our communities in emergency management planning and local land management decisions.
~Tricia Gorby, Institute Director