February 2023 Volunteer of the Month

By Sarah Reilly

Rosmarie has served in a variety of capacities over the years at Pine Bush.  She has been a volunteer on the fire crew, a Preserve Steward, a Preserve Naturalist, a Volunteer Educator, Certified Seed Collector, and a docent in our Discovery Center.

When arriving in the capital district in 1979 the Pine Bush called Rosemarie reminding her of the summers of her youth in New Jersey spending time on the shore and visiting the New Jersey Pine Barrens.  Her education and career have been centered around working with people with disabilities, first as a rehabilitation counselor, and for the past 12.5 years as a Consultant for People with Disabilities with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Her passion is accessibility and inclusion of all people with disabilities in society.

Rosemarie’s favorite trails in the preserve are any that run along a section of stream or ravine.  She loves all the sand and the dunes, and has said that the best part of volunteering at the Pine Bush “has been the relationships she and her husband have made with the staff and volunteers over the years.  In some ways they are like an extended family.”

When she isn’t volunteering at the preserve or at a local nursing home, she is spending time hiking, swimming, square dancing and hanging out with her kitty.

Rosemarie was nominated for Volunteer of the Month by Education Director, Erin Kinal.  Of Rosemarie’s service Erin has said, “Rosemarie has been a volunteer here at the Albany Pine Bush for longer than I have worked here. She has shown a long-term commitment to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and has volunteered in many capacities over the years! I truly appreciate Rosemarie's dedication, passion, and sense of humor.”

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