I retread as an Amateur Botanist in 1995 when I retired. I was a Plant Conservation Volunteer for New England Wild Flower Society for about 20 years. I did all sorts of volunteer work for the Sudbury Valley Trustees for 10 years I participated in the Middlesex Fells Botanical Inventory, now published. I "consulted" with the Assabet River NWR concerning invasive plants for about 3 years. I was an active member for the Mass. Butterfly Club for 2 or 3 years. I have taken many courses at New England Wild Flower, but mostly I am self taught. Along the way I have made many friends - people I have the utmost respect for as naturalists. At 77 I can't do what I used to do. Because I love being out of doors, I do as much as I can. Because of sciatica I walk very slowly now. I see more because I stop so often. I call my pace "Thoreau speed."