When Paula Homan retired, she knew she wanted to spend her time doing things that mattered to her. She wanted to stay busy, meet people, keep learning and, most of all, find ways to make a difference.
That led her to HeartLands Conservancy.
Paula and her husband, Mike, have always enjoyed being outdoors, especially hiking, birding and spending time in nature. Mike first got involved with HeartLands after a friend invited him to a volunteer work day at Poag Sand Prairie. He came home excited about the experience, and before long, Paula joined him.
Earlier this year, Paula and Mike donated and installed bluebird boxes at Poag. They now help monitor the boxes and have gotten to watch the whole process unfold, from nesting to fledging.
“It is exciting to check the boxes and watch the progress of a bluebird nesting attempt that ends with baby bluebirds fledged from the nest,” Paula said.
Of course, not every nest is successful. But that’s part of what makes the experience interesting. Paula and Mike are learning something new every year and have enjoyed being citizen scientists, helping collect information about bluebird populations while keeping an eye on the other wildlife that call Poag home. They’ve spotted bald eagles there twice, perched in one of the large trees next to the property.
For Paula, that connection to nature goes back a long way. She grew up on the edge of a small rural town, where she spent time playing in the woods, picking black raspberries and exploring a nearby creek. These days, she still loves walking trails and simply being surrounded by nature.
She also enjoys painting flowers, birds and other scenes inspired by her nature photography and time outdoors.
One of the things Paula appreciates most about volunteering is the chance to meet other people who care about the same places she does. She’s also learned more about conservation practices and found ways to bring some of that knowledge home, including into her own backyard.
“I wish more people knew the importance of the work HLC is doing,” Paula said. “There is so much value in preserving and conserving these properties for birds and wildlife, restoring prairies, removing invasive species and helping native plants thrive.”
We’re grateful to Paula and Mike for the time, care and curiosity they bring to Poag Sand Prairie, and for helping make sure there’s a little more room for bluebirds to thrive.
If you’re interested in exploring your interests, learn about all the ways you can meet other passionate people and share your talents by getting involved as a volunteer: https://heartlandsconservancy.org/volunteer/
There is so much value in preserving and conserving these properties for birds and wildlife, restoring prairies, removing invasive species and helping native plants thrive.