— by Nancy Copperman
Congratulations to chapter member Kathy McCormack!
On October 11, NPSOT announced that Kathy is a recipient of the Benny J. Simpson Fellows Award for 2023. This award is presented by the Society to a member for work that enriches the Society at the state or chapter level, recognizing service to the Society and embodying “grass roots” recognition of an awardee by their fellow NPSOT members. See NPSOT’s announcement of all 2023 awards at this link.
Among her many contributions to NPSOT and the Williamson County Chapter, Kathy has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining our interpretive plant signs program which provides native plant signs along trails in public parks and other locations in Williamson County. The signs include QR codes so the public can easily find additional information on a plant using a smartphone or tablet. She helped GPS all the plant sign locations for our maps and provided other info and updates for display in the county park kiosks.
Kathy helped whenever needed out in the field finding specimens for NLCP classes even though she was not on the NLCP committee. She has worked on numerous plant surveys over the years continuing up to the current work at Hidden Springs Preserve. Kathy has been a long time member of the field trip committee where we plan the adventures we offer to chapter members and the public. Any time she is needed, Kathy sees that a job is done.
Congratulations, Kathy, from all of us!
Nancy Copperman
President, NPSOT-Williamson County Chapter