Hello wonderful Archuleta County community:
It is with mixed emotions that I am writing my last article for “Extension Viewpoints” as your ag and natural resources Extension agent (now called Specialists) and county director.
I have accepted a new position within Extension as the state natural resources specialist. I will be developing programs for communities around the state on all topics and issues in natural resources, including the Rocky Mountain Naturalist Program and the Native Plant Masters Program. I will have the opportunity to follow my passion for conservation, land stewardship, emergency management, outdoor recreation, youth engagement and more.
I have been so blessed to have spent the last seven years working in the best Extension office in the state. My staff — Terry Schaaf, Becky Jacobson and Tonya Steadmon — are amazing. They have built their reputations on merit and professionalism, and I couldn’t be more honored to work with such fantastic women. I will certainly miss the team.
I have also been blessed to work with all of you in this wonderful community. From walk-ins to identify a plant or an insect, to property visits to discuss wildfire risk or land stewardship, projects that positively impact our community, the programs that educate from experts, and, of course, the county fair that showcases our youth and communities’ talent, this job has been so exciting and fun.
I don’t know when the new director will be hired, but you all are in good hands with Schaaf as the interim director. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will find it for you. Please be patient with the staff as they will be down one person in the office.
It has been a true pleasure to serve you in this role, and I look forward to serving the state in my new role. The good news is that I don’t have to move. Pagosa Springs and Durango will remain my communities. My email will remain the same; please reach out if you have a question.
Thank you all for a wonderful time in the Archuleta County Extension Office. I will miss you all in this capacity. I hope to see you around.
