Volunteer Spotlight...Maryanne Harbit

Hi, I am Maryanne Harbit. I graduated from the CMNA Program in December 2023.

I have always been interested in the natural world, particularly birds. When I read about the Master Naturalist Program, I knew it was for me. It took me a few tries to get in the class but it was definitely worth the wait.
Wow, the things I didn’t know that I didn’t know, and the world opened up for me as did my mind.

Since I’ve been through the program, I am asked questions like, “Maryanne, are you ever not looking up? My friends and family know that when I’m hiking with them there will be many stops along the way to look at new or different things, either seeing or hearing something cool, or just to say WOW and appreciate nature. A few weeks ago, my son and I were driving home through a few back roads in central SC when the GPS took us down an unexpected dirt road.
It was dark and the road was wet with very large puddles and pot holes and my son was concerned about the depth of the puddles and was trying to decide whether we could safely navigate or if it was better to turn around. While driving slowly, I insisted we stop the car and listen.

A new bird for me……so clear and crisp and beautiful in the darkness…..it was a Chuck Wills Widow and it was the most beautiful sound in that setting.

Of course my son would have been happier if I focused on the road situation, but even he was inspired! My friends know I’m a nature nerd, but I think even they enjoy the things we discover. It’s not an understatement to say that my mind has expanded and my world has changed as I’m always in search of the thing I haven’t seen yet, or the bird I’m hearing for the first time and adding to my life list.

As a volunteer for the CMNA I love being on the Eagle Watch team, I’ve helped with several gardening programs, and most of all, the opportunity for lifelong learning and discovery has changed my life for the better (and I hope for those around me).