October 2023 Volunteer of the Month
October 08, 2023
The October 2023 Volunteer of the Month for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is Patricia Jordan.
" It’s just such a happy place to be."
By Beth MacCallum, Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator
Pat is a super-volunteer at the preserve, meaning she serves in more than one capacity. Since 2019 Pat has served as a volunteer naturalist, program assistant, docent, and helped with community outreach at special events like Lupine Fest and Smokey Bear Day.
Originally from East Greenbush, Pat retired from the New York Sate Department of Health, where she faithfully served the people of New York as a nutritionist. She helped develop nutrition education programs and oversaw statewide nutrition programs. Pat enjoys spending time outside walking, hiking, kayaking, and visiting national parks, and can often be found caring for her beloved grandchildren. When not outside she loves to usher performing arts at a concert or musical.
For Pat, the best part of volunteering at the Discovery Center is helping visitors appreciate nature and, “seeing the awe in children’s eyes as they see and experience the Albany Pine Bush for the first time. It’s just such a happy place to be.” In 2022 Pat’s extensive service at the preserve motivated her to become a New York State Master Naturalist.
One of Pat’s most cherished memories in the preserve was helping as a program assistant for a full moon hike. She loved hiking in darkness and experiencing the preserve nocturnally with other program participants. Pat’s favorite part of the preserve is along Rensselaer Lake on the Rapp Barrens trail. There she loves to see dragonflies and Blue Heron.
Pat was nominated by Vicki Stoodley, Albany Pine Bush Preserve’s Visitor Services Specialist, Vicki appreciates how Pat interacts with visitors in her volunteer role as a Discovery Center docent. “Pat is an extraordinary interpreter in the Discovery Center and at the Trailside Interpretation table and we are so lucky to have her. Congratulations on becoming the preserve’s Volunteer of the Month.
Return to list.
