Volunteer Profile: Karen Michul, Fall 2022 Master Naturalist cohort 

Karen Michul keeps busy—and not just as a Master Naturalist. She’s also the President of NABA-Central Kentucky, a chapter of the North American Butterfly Association and serves on the statewide Pollinator Stakeholder Committee and the Lexington Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. In her downtime, she’s a full-time employee with the University of Kentucky.  

What sparked your interest in the natural world?: It's hard to pinpoint exactly what inspired me. I've always loved all things nature, but it most likely started with my father's love of birds when I was a child. He always made sure to feed them and observe. He had several books and would study them quite often. Fast forward to years later when I became interested in macro photography and butterflies and insects kept getting into my pictures. It just was a domino effect from there!  

What was/is a highlight of the Kentucky Master Naturalist certification for you?: I am very proud to be called a Kentucky Master Naturalist! It shows I am committed to continuous learning about Kentucky's landscape, history, environmental causes, conservation and so much more. One of the highlights is the networking and partnerships that have evolved since joining the program. I've made lifelong friends and expanded my knowledge so much. Yet, I still have so much more to learn and I know who I can turn to when I have questions.  

What are you up to now?  I keep very busy with NABA-Central Kentucky events. Our "season" typically gets started in March and doesn't end until the last Monarch butterfly has passed through and been tagged before heading off to Mexico! In between all of that, I also volunteer with Floracliff Nature Sanctuary and Lexington Parks & Recreation. During the winter months, I am most passionate about observing winter birds in my backyard! Just like my father. It's all come full circle!