Robert Celestin, GIS Associate, has helped us bring our database and geographical mapping system into the 21st century. We had been able to extend Robert’s time with us through funds from Open Space Institute’s McHenry Award. During this time, Robert also completed the last of his credits to finish his Bachelor’s degree. Tom Hobbick began volunteering his time to help us redesign our database and integrate invasive species data from multiple sources and quickly made himself indispensable. A little extra money in the budget allowed us to bring Tom on as a part-time employee for a while. Tom is retired so we are blessed that he chose to “come out of retirement” so to speak for a short time to help us. In the process Tom learned to program in Python. Tom says he’ll probably be in the office from time to time to continue to volunteer. Kasey Lane, GIS Associate, helped work in GIS species-specific layers for many of our invasive species as part of a state-wide effort to prioritize species management across the state. Kasey was a member of our 2018 ISF crew and we were able to keep her on to contribute to this important project. See a sample of one of Kasey’s maps here Kate Uchitel served a 675 hr AmeriCorps term as our Mile-a-minute of the Hudson Valley project coordinator. Kate released biocontrol weevils and monitored previous release sites, pulled a bunch of mile-a minute vines, and also erected and monitored spotted lanternfly traps. Kate currently has a full-time job with the Burlington County (NJ) Health Department. We are sad to see these talented folks move on to other things, but we wish them every success in the future. Best wishes all ! |