Whether it's the Observatory's native plant sale, World Migratory Bird Day, our Monarch events, the Raptor Watch, or the Southeastern Wisconsin Conservation Summit, you are certain to find volunteer Barbie Hughes at all of them. Her dedication stems from a lifelong love of nature and a desire to make a difference through her volunteerism.
When she retired from her work as an occupational therapist in England, Barbie chose to build a home on the shores of Lake Michigan, a location that holds fond childhood memories of summers spent at her grandparents' cottage just north of her present location.
An avid gardener, Barbie has converted her yard to a haven for pollinators. Multiple milkweed species for Monarch caterpillars and numerous native nectar plants have created the perfect habitat, and she is richly rewarded for her efforts with clouds of butterflies that drift through her yard. An avid bird enthusiast, Barbie takes advantage of her close proximity to the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust's Forest Beach Migratory Preserve to go on frequent bird hikes, and she has gone through the training sessions to become a Raptor Watch volunteer in the fall.
Thank you, Barbie, for all you do for the Observatory!