Volunteer of the Month – Donnan Stoicovy

After retiring from a long and impactful career as an educator and school leader, Donnan was looking for a meaningful way to stay connected to her passion for environmental education. Encouraged by colleagues at ClearWater Conservancy, she applied to the PA Master Naturalist program, and hasn’t slowed down since.

In just a few years, Donnan has contributed more than 2,500 volunteer hours, supporting conservation, education, and community engagement across Central Pennsylvania.

We recently caught up with Donnan to learn more about her journey and what being a PA Master Naturalist means to her.

How did you first get involved with the PA Master Naturalist program?
When I was preparing to retire from my career as an educator and principal, I was serving on the ClearWater Conservancy Board of Directors. I saw an announcement that they were accepting applications for the Centre County fall 2022 class. I asked the Executive Director about it, and she encouraged me to apply and offered to be a reference. I also reached out to a couple of friends, and they were excited for me to apply.I decided it would be something I could do after a couple of adventures I had planned, walking the Camino Francés in Spain and then bicycling from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. When I came back, I was excited and ready to become a PA Master Naturalist.

What does being a PA Master Naturalist mean to you?
I’ve always had a passion for the environment throughout my career in education. After retiring, I realized how much I missed working with students, teachers, and families, and doing environmental projects. Without a school setting, I needed somewhere else to focus that energy.The PA Master Naturalist program gave me that opportunity. It allowed me to learn more about our local environment, connect with others who share that passion, and find meaningful ways to support conservation in my community.

What are some of the ways you’ve been involved since becoming a PA Master Naturalist?
I was already involved with ClearWater Conservancy as a board member and on the facilities committee, and I also serve as the representative to Millbrook Marsh, where I’ve been chair for several years. Those roles gave me opportunities to earn volunteer hours right away.I’ve also monitored cavity nesting boxes. First as part of a team at Greenwood Furnace State Park, and now I monitor 18 boxes in two Patton Township parks. I’ve mentored several Centre/Huntingdon County cohorts and volunteered at Shaver’s Creek’s Maple Harvest Festival pancake breakfast each year.I’ve led workshops for advanced training hours, including Project Learning Tree, Aquatic WILD, and a PA Songbird workshop, and I have another Project Learning Tree workshop coming up soon. There are so many opportunities locally to get involved, and volunteering comes naturally to me.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the program?
This past year, I served as the facilitator for the Centre/Huntingdon County course when a staff member wasn’t able to run it. I planned speakers, organized field experiences, and communicated with a class of 14 participants each week.I absolutely loved working with that group. Some of us attended the Annual Meeting together and came away with ideas for future projects, including forming a PA Big Day of Birding team called “The Loonatics.” We also started a native plant project at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and even wrote a grant to support that work.It’s been so rewarding to watch members of that class stay involved and see their Keystone projects take off. I’m very proud of them.

How has the program impacted your life?
The connections I’ve made have been incredible! Both personal and professional. I’ve become more involved with organizations like ClearWater Conservancy, Millbrook Marsh, and Shaver’s Creek, and I’ve learned so much about the natural world.I’ve also gotten involved in broader community efforts, including climate work through the Council of Governments Community Stewards Network. I even ran for Halfmoon Township Supervisor, which I never imagined doing! While I didn’t win, I’ve since been appointed to several local committees focused on open space, watershed protection, and sustainability.Over the past few years, I’ve volunteered more than 2,500 hours, but the relationships and learning have meant even more than the recognition.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a PA Master Naturalist?
It’s such a worthwhile opportunity for people who are willing learners, eager to volunteer, and natural educators. I highly recommend it.

Thank you, Donnan, for your incredible dedication and for all you do to support conservation and community across Pennsylvania.