From the URVC: Nature projects await volunteers
Spring is in the air!
This is a great time to give thought to engaging with the environment. Yes, if we are still in our homes, we look forward to cutting back raspberry canes, planting gardens for the lovely flowers and vegetables that will spring forth, and mowing lawns. But, many are in apartments and need the exercise and to use our nature skills. What to do?
Volunteer for Nature projects! Many organizations need your help.
The University campus is a start. Think of how often you have traversed the campus and admired the plantings. Yes, there is a student workforce, yet volunteers are still useful without displacing them. Whether it be in the greenhouses or on the campus landscape you can make a contribution to both the University and yourself.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is embedded in our community, a branch of the National Park Service. Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) serves the needs throughout the year.
Big River Journey Field Trip (May 2-6, 9-13, and 16-19: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) The field trips, for students in grades 3-6, consist of stations led by volunteers or staff. Training is provided on the first volunteer day. Volunteers help at stations about river geology, otters/ecosystems, macroinvertebrates, birds and urban watersheds.
Journey to the Falls Field Trip (May 20, 23-27, 31 and June 1: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) Volunteers help with a mock archaeological dig. Volunteers help dig “sites” in sand under the Stone Arch Bridge then seed the sites with artifacts from the Mill Ruins Park excavation, Pillsbury A Mill, or items of St. Anthony Falls’ industrial past. Students uncover the sites with your help. Training materials e-mailed in advance.
St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center—Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, Mpls. Memorial Day through Labor Day 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Six shifts required in season. Help visitors learn about the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls area. An interview and training will be required.
Summer Canoe Volunteers—Volunteers needed to help with canoe programs during the summer. Help demonstrate paddling techniques, fit life jackets, and paddle alongside as a safety canoe.
Weekday Youth Programs—Assist park rangers with school groups and summer programs.
For information contact: University Retirees Volunteer Center: [email protected]
— Alan L. Kagan, Project Director
News
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson
Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details: