Mary McCarthy

 

Ardent outdoor enthusiast and passionate people-person, Mary McCarthy is excited to be able to create a long time dream!

 

As a life-long urban dweller, Mary believes in the nature that surrounds us, even in the big city.  She loves to go to special areas to enjoy nature, but also loves to appreciate what is right outside her door.  Mary also understands the financial, physical, and transportation restraints many people encounter.  "Not everybody has a car and is able to go to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, but everybody has a right to enjoy quality nature programs in their neighborhood." 

 

In June, 2014, Mary and the newly-formed NatureHood group sponsored an event in the Rountree Neighborhood:  Butterflies and Bees Celebration.  The event was successful "beyond my wildest dreams!", according to Mary.  Nearly 200 people visited to create crafts, peer into microscopes at butterfly wings and bugs, and learn more about butterflies and moths. 

 

NatureHood's goal is to reach out to other communities within Springfield and bring nature and people together.

 

Mary is a certified Missouri Master Naturalist and member of the Board of the Missouri Master Naturalist, Springfield Plateau Chapter. 

 

Mary is certified as an Environmental Educator through the Missouri Environmental Education Association. 

 

Mary is Secretary/President-Elect (2015) of the Missouri Environmental Education Association.