Volunteers
Carol Bylsma
Carol Bylsma is a teacher, naturalist, and biologist. She is noted for the development and implementation of innovative programs for K-12 teachers and students. Whether it’s watching birds, chasing butterflies, smelling wildflowers, sitting still by a cold mountain stream or being surprised by a new discovery or re-meeting or hearing familiar old friends of woods and meadows and sage brush flats; Carol is passionate about the wonders of nature and sharing her enthusiasm with kids of all ages. Carol is director of Forest Song Associates which provides science and environmental education leadership and training to K-12 teachers and other educators. The GLOBE Program is a primary focus; it is STEM education + geography+ environmental education. Carol also teaches courses at UNM-Taos, including Ornithology and Stream Ecology.
Ted Dyman
Dr. Ted Dyman retired from the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver, Colorado in 2006 where he was employed for 30 years as a research geologist. Ted is currently a Scientist Emeritus with the U.S. Geological Survey. He has also taught science and mathematics in elementary and middle schools, geology at the university level, and has lectured to community groups on earth science and energy issues. Ted worked for many years with Community Resources, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Denver where he volunteered his time in the classroom and served on the board of directors. He developed activities and programs for inner city students and their families using members of the community to share their skills, expertise and enthusiasm. Ted says: “I’m very excited about volunteering my time to help children and adults better understand the relationships between our physical and biological worlds, and to better appreciate nature through outdoor experiences. What better legacy can we offer to future generations?”
Martha Campbell
Martha Ann Campbell is originally from El Paso, Texas, where she was born and bilingually raised. Martha received her B.A. in International Relations and Economics from Stanford University in 2002. She has worked as Financial Analyst for Goldman Sachs, was a field organizer for the Obama campaign as well as for Repower America. She co-coordinated the 350 Day with Rivers & Birds in Taos. Next year she will embark on her “Green” MBA at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and MS from their School of Natural Resources and Environment. She will focus on sustainable systems design and economic development. An avid snowboarder, rock climber and backcountry hiker, Martha is dedicated to helping to empower businesses and individuals to become ecologically sensitive. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Martha and hearing of her ecobusiness adventures in Michigan.
Geraint Smith
Geraint Smith, renowned fine art photographer was raised in the Rhondda valley, a coal mining community in South Wales. In 1978 at the age of 22, he moved to Los Angeles where he embarked on a career as a freelance photographer, working for the City of Pasadena, Caltech, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra. After visiting Taos, he made it his home in 1988. For Geraint, the Sangre de Cristos are as familiar to him as the mountains of Wales where he grew up. Awed by the vastness of the landscape, Smith writes: “I used to define my reality and my world by my limited experience, and in that way limited myself to the immense possibilities available to me. What I discovered, living in the Southwest, is just how much room there is in me to remember and rediscover the peace and center of my soul.” Geraint has expressed his committment to empower children to develop a loving relationship with nature. He has offered his services to help teach photography to youngsters involved with Rivers & Birds. Geraint has also offered to sell his photographic images for a generous contribution to Rivers & Birds. See our Products page as well as Geraint Smith's inspiring website: www.geraintsmith.com
Beth Enson
Beth Enson, Brooklyn born and bred, has lived in Arroyo Seco for almost 17 years, and wants to grow up to be a farmer. Until then she is working as Development Director at the Northern NM Birth Center, and planting green things when she can. She and her partner, Ray Garcia, are homeschooling their daughter Rivala, age 12, and encouraging her adoration of the earth. Rivers and Birds has been a wonderful, challenging, and fulfilling partner in our homeschooling process. Beth writes poetry, practices co-counseling, and loves living in Taos where people really value community.