By Susan Hardee Steger
Editor
June 2, 2021
The Fernandina Observer is pleased to welcome Pat Foster-Turley, to our team of volunteer writers. A popular area writer, Pat shares her knowledge as an international biodiversity specialist through her amazing storytelling. Her column will be entitled, “Pat’s Wildways.” Tomorrow, Pat will take you into her own backyard garden that receives all kinds of visitors throughout the day.
If you are not familiar with Pat’s work, we are confident you will soon become one of her many fans.
Thank you, Pat, for joining us. We look forward to working with you.
A message from Pat:
“I am delighted to now join the Fernandina Observer to continue this periodic column here for my many loyal readers and for other readers that enjoy friendly stories that tell about natural life both here and afar.”
About Pat Foster-Turley
Pat Foster-Turley is an international biodiversity specialist with a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Florida and more than 30 years of international work assignments throughout Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). She has lived in Fernandina Beach with her husband Bucko for more than 20 years and has written the local wildlife/nature/travel column “Wildways” for the News-Leader for much of that time, while still leading short term international biodiversity assessment teams.
Welcome to our Observer team, Pat. You will fit right in. I’m very excited for you and your vast readership.
Pat is a wonderful addition to the Fernandina Observer. I know those readers that don’t know her will soon become avid followers as she takes us on her and Bucko’s journeys through the state and her backyard community.
Great news!
I’ve been an avid follower of Pat for ~20 years now. Nice to know that the community hasn’t lost her important voice.
Hooray! Can’t wait to read her next feature—always interesting and informative!
Thank you to Fernandina Observer!! I was lamenting that Pat’s column was cancelled by the News-Leader and this is the best news!! Pat’s knowledge is awesome and her Wildways column is a delight.
My husband and I are so happy that Pat’s column will continue. Thanks Observer for bring back her stories. To us.
Wonderful news! I loved her columns in the News Leader and am so glad to know I can keep reading her work and getting ideas for my own adventures.
Pat is a great story teller and quite knowledgeable about many different plants and animals in our area and beyond. I’m SO happy that she is joining the Fernandina Observer to continue her entertaining writings. She’s a very special lady and I look forward to hearing about her and Bucko’s adventures.
What a boon for the Obesrver and Pat’s many Fernandina Fans – and soon to be new fans! Welcome back, Pat!
Well…..that is some good news! Pat’s column was informative, interesting, and entertaining…very happy to have access to it again!
Welcome!
Welcome, Pat! I always enjoy your column, and I am so happy that I will still be able to see it. Keep writing! Cara Curtin.
Fantastic addition to the Observer!!
Welcome. It’s great to find you writing here!
Cheers to Pat Foster Turley! And thanks to the Observer for presenting Pat’s engaging column that is a large part of the story of our community and beyond. Moving on from 2020, it is a pleasure to read about the importance of our natural environment….something that is refreshing and uplifting after a year of stress and challenge.
Great news! When I cancelled my NewsLeader subscription about 5 years ago, this is the only thing I missed in the paper. Can’t wait to hear some more of her and Bucko’s adventures.
This is the best news. Thank you.
So excited to have Pat’s column here! That’s terrific!
Welcome back, Pat! And thanks, Susan, for bringing her onboard. Thanks to you both for showing you care about our community by keeping us informed and entertained. Well done. And keep up the good work!
Great addition!! Thanks, Susan!!
This wonderful news made my day!
Best news of my day!
Wonderful news! Welcome, Dr. Foster-Turley.
I have to admit as one who was not much interested in the natural world in my youth, but who has evolved in my curiosity over my adult life, Dr. Turley’s insights expertise and “folksy” writing style has won me over and added to my education immeasurably.
I am so happy that you have been embraced by this new platform so quickly.
I am so excited! Yours was the first article I would read in the paper! I felt like I was reading/ talking to a friend!
Thank you, thank you, Fernandina Observer and Pat Foster-Turkey. I collect Pat’s columns so my husband and I can explore Florida’s hidden treasures that Pat and Bucko scout out for us. Day trips and brief overnight excursions await us as COVID-19 recedes. Pat is an Amelia Island treasure!