February Volunteer Newsletter

We would like to give a shout out to the Women’s Wine Hiking Society for volunteering at Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai. From planting Mountain Mahoganies to pruning foliage in front of the River House to picking up trash, every little bit made a huge difference on our grounds. For more information about the Women’s Wine Hiking Society, feel free to check out their website at: https://winehikingsociety.com/. And if you or a group is interested in volunteering, please check our website for more information: https://tracyaviary.org/ways-to-support/volunteer/. 

Pruning foliage around the River House.

Planting mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) at Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai. 

Posing next to the thirteen newly planted mountain mahoganies. 

Volunteer Spotlight of the Month

We’d like to introduce you to our volunteer spotlight of the month: Zach Nielsen, who volunteers in Treasures of the Rainforest, where he helps maintain the habitat for the birds.

What are your reasons for volunteering at Tracy Aviary?

I wanted to learn more about cultivating tropical plants, including orchids and other house plants, in order to grow them at home and to expand my knowledge of species and plant families across the world. I enjoy learning from Parker, who is the horticulture lead for the aviary, and is dedicated to providing a thriving plant habitat for the birds in Treasures of the Rainforest and other exhibits. 

What job do you have outside of Tracy Aviary? 

I am a field botanist. I conduct surveys for rare, invasive, and native plant populations, as well as participate in restoration projects. I’ve worked as a freelance illustrator for the past four years for botanical and scientific articles. I primarily focus on plant and insect illustrations, and I’m hoping to branch out to birds and other animals. 

What is your favorite bird at Tracy Aviary? 

My favorite bird at the aviary is the hooded pitta or the violet turaco. 

What is your favorite bird in general? 

I love ibises. 

What is your favorite plant? 

I have so many! Among my favorite Utah-native plants would be Penstemon. I have a particular fondness for the incredible plants of Southern Utah, such as Lilac Sunbonnets, Desert Larkspur and many other species that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert. I love to look for rare or unusual species across Utah and the western states, including parasitic plants and those found in hanging gardens. 

 

If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?

I am essentially already doing my dream job with field botany, though I would prefer to find a more permanent situation, as seasonal work can be hard to come by.

Do you have any fun facts about yourself? 

I am a cyclist and enjoy riding on the mountain roads of the Wasatch, which gives me an opportunity to botanize by bike if I see any blooms along the roadside. One of my favorite rides is the Alpine Loop Road that circles Mount Timpanogos. I love to immerse myself in nature through hiking, camping and backpacking, and I always make sure to take my camera everywhere to capture the beauty around me.  

What is a message you’d like to share? 

I want people to stop and observe more often. We should all dedicate more time for quiet introspection, especially in nature. It’s those times when I’ve had my most profound moments of connection. Once we realize that we’re all a part of this ecology, we’ll put more effort into saving our planet.