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Burkgren is new County Naturalist
by Warren Haacke, Press-News Reporter
Mary Jo Burkgren has a perpetual smile on her face. One reason is that the newly hired Mitchell County Naturalist is working at a job, described in her own words, that "she simply loves".
Actually, Burkgren is not new to Mitchell County. She has been working for Mitchell County since August 2007 as the Deputy Director of Special Projects for the Mitchell County Conservation Board.
When Mitchell County Naturalist Jim Doidge retired in June, Burkgren was offered the position by the Mitchell County Conservation Board. She will still also work on special projects for the county in her new position.
The 1975 Mason City graduate always dreamed of working in the outdoors since she was a young child.
"I've always loved the outdoors, nature, hunting and fishing, things like that," said Burkgren. "That's why my job with Mitchell County is not really a job to me, but a dream come true."
Burkgren's journey to her present position has been an interesting one to say the least.
After graduating from high school, she received her certification as an X-ray technician and worked for five years at Mercy Hospital in Mason City.
"I was on call a great deal and worked a lot of hours and I also found out that the medical profession was not a good fit for me for several reasons," said Burkgren.
She then began work for the U.S. Postal Service in Mason City as a mailman.
"I liked that job and thought I would probably retire in that position," she said.
Fate had other plans for Burkgren after 20 years of service. She suffered a serious injury in a fall while delivering mail and was unable to continue her career with the Postal Service.
"I went through some tough times after the injury, but I finally decided I needed to quit feeling sorry for myself and do something," said Burkgren.
She decided to go back to school and pursue her original childhood dream of a career in conservation work.
With some college work already under her belt, Burkgren began classes at North Iowa Community College in 2001. She graduated in 2002 with associate degrees in science and associate of arts.
Burkgren then continued her education in the fall of 2002 at Iowa State University. Her schedule was a rigorous one. She drove from her home in rural Nora Springs five days a week to Ames where she would attend classes sometimes from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Many nights I wouldn't get home until 9:30 p.m.," said Burkgren. "I probably logged about 1,400 hours behind the wheel and drove about 92,000 miles in my 2 1/2 years at Iowa State."
"My school work was tough and I had my doubts a few times," Burkgren said. "The people at Iowa State were fantastic in helping me through my program. They provided tutors free of charge and gave me all kinds of help. You can't be afraid to ask for help when you need it."
Burkgren paid for her education by taking out $30,000 in student loans. "I know that seems like a lot of money, but I feel it was worth it," she said. "I realized I still had 20-25 good years left in me," said the 51-year old Burkgren.
Burkgren graduated from Iowa State two and a half years later in December of 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Wildlife Biology.
She then worked for 1 1/2 years as a chemist at the Fort Dodge Animal Health Clinic.
In July 2006 Burkgren accepted a position as Geographical Information Specialist with Hamilton County. She drove to Webster City everyday in that position.
"I was still looking for a position in conservation work," said Burkgren. "My advisor at Iowa State, John Burnett, e mailed me about a Deputy Director of Special Projects for the Mitchell County Conservation Board. I was very excited about the opportunity."
Burkgren interviewed with the Board and it's Director Milt Owen and was offered the position in August 2007. She has spent much of her time working on the Wapsi Trail project, writing grants, doing construction projects, park cleanup and assisting then Mitchell County Naturalist Jim Doidge in his work.
When Doidge retired in June, the Conservation Board offered Burkgren the position. "To say I was overjoyed about the opportunity is putting it mildly," said Burkgren. "The new position as Naturalist allows me to do what I have dreamed about doing for years."
Burkgren said she is especially looking forward to working with youth in her new position. "I am looking forward to working with youngsters and teaching them how to use and appreciate nature," said Burkgren. "We need to educate people on how to conserve our environment and plan for the future. Our young children are the best place to start."
Burkgren continued, "Mitchell County has tremendous offerings in the area of nature. We have over 2000 public acres. Our facilities are top notch and the people in Mitchell County are so supportive of our programs. The Conservation Board is very pro-active and we receive tremendous support from our Board of Supervisors and other nature oriented groups like Pheasants Forever."
"People have to remember the outdoors are free," said Burkgren. "It's a great opportunity to use what we have and stay active.'
Burkgren normally works seven days a week, beginning at 7 a.m. and many times working until dark. "That may seem like long hours, but when you're doing something you love, the time seems to fly," she said.
If she can find free time, Burkgren loves to travel. She's seen most of the U.S. and has also traveled to Alaska. See also enjoys watching her son play golf at UNI and also hunting and fishing when she can.
"Even though I'm an Iowa State graduate, I have to admit I'm a huge Hawkeye fan," she chuckled. "I try to catch some Hawkeye sports events now and then."
"I love to get up and go to work each day," Burkgren said. "In my job, I get to work each day in nature, see many different kinds of animals and talk to people about the outdoors. I have tremendous co-workers who all get along well and are dedicated to their jobs."
She continued, "I'm doing something I've always wanted to do and something I truly love, so it's not really a job to me. It's more like a dream come true."
Story created Jul 08, 2008 - 10:38:49 CDT.
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