Susan Bowdoin

Spending time in the natural world brings me peace and joy. My father and grandfather were both career foresters who were influenced by the work of Aldo Leopold. I grew up exploring remote forests and wilderness. I have distinct childhood memories that are tied to animals and plants of the Southwest. As an adult I find that I’m drawn to experiences that connect me with those roots.

Opportunities to interact with the wild drive my desire to explore. I participated in citizen science at New River Gorge. We did ecosystem analysis along the riverbank and collected dragonfly nymphs for the Dragonfly Mercury Project.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is one of my favorite places to spend time. I’ve chaperoned three different groups of high school anthropology students during their three day research trips. The view from Pueblo Alto is stunning, as are the reconstructed ruins on the valley floor. But the hike up to Pueblo Alto through a sandstone rift has got to be my favorite part of every trip.
I volunteer at the Humming Desert Alpaca Farm near Budaghers, NM. Alpaca hugs are absolutely the best!
I’m crafty. I’ve sewn and quilted most of my life, love experimenting with all sorts of art materials, and have a pretty good sense of color, layout, and design. My newest crafty adventure is weaving Rio Grande style rugs with native New Mexico churro wool. I’m learning to practice patience, and have gotten really good at untangling knots!
My husband and I are both Jeep drivers and enjoy spending time on bumpy dirt roads. September 2024 we spent four days overlanding part of the Emigrant Road in northern Nevada. This is me preparing dinner after three days on a dry and dusty trail!
I was invited to participate in a week-long professional development seminar at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. It was a transformational week for me, and it continues to be a place that I love to visit and share with others.