In the last two weeks, I have reconnected or connected with so many wonderful people, and I want to give them all a shout out. You all deserve your own blog post, but my list of to-do’s is begging me to get to work. Here is each in 140 characters or less! 

*Lindsay E. – Thank you for driving two hours on the spur of the moment to meet me in Denver. Our time together proves friendships transcend time & place.

*Emma Marris – We didn’t actually get to talk, but thank you for your engaging keynote that challenged the norms of conservation science and practice.

*Susie I. – Reconnecting with a fellow Tiger is always a pleasure. So happy to hear about your many new adventures, and I know your future is bright.

*Ilene – You are a new friend met through an old friend. You know the best places to eat and showed us a great adventure in downtown.

*Ken K. & Bob P. – Thank you for the stimulating dinner conversation on collegiate education, MOOCs, and perspectives.

*Bernard K. – We had to go all the way to Denver, CO to eat breakfast together but it was worth it! You are an inspiration and I am glad to call friend.

*Aunt Rita, Uncle Charlie, & Bobo – Ending my Colorado visit with family was perfect. Let’s not wait 10 years until it happens again. Bobo, you are one adorable pup!

Alex L. – Dinner on the dike is a great idea any day (but less wind would be ok). Glad we had the chance to catch up, let’s do it again!

Amanda H. – Walk and talk is another of my favorite forms of catch up. Glad we both braved the wind to swap stories and life plans.

Amanda D. and Zebbie W. – Three musketeers all the way! We used to walk the halls in costumes, now we are pretending to be adults, shhh don’t tell!

*These reconnections or connections were facilitated by the 2013 George Wright Society Conference, which I attended March 15-20 in Denver, Colorado. I presented “The Volunteer Experience: Total Immersion” and Co-presented with Fran Mainella “Reconnecting People to Parks through Outdoor Play.” Please ask me about either.