Blue Thumb Volunteer Spotlight | Joanna Taulman & Kathryn Bartee
What inspired you to get involved with Blue Thumb?
J: I was coming to the end of my master’s program in social work, and I was deeply interesting in combining social values and ethics with environmental education and conservation. I took a webinar focusing on Environmental Justice (a key part of our ethics) and the host recommended looking into Blue Thumb. I was already involved with Save Our Streams Tulsa. so it was a natural fit to start monitoring that same creek. I am so glad I did!
K: I became aware of Blue Thumb in March of 2024 when my friend Jerry invited me to come to his stream to help monitor it. I was in my junior year of undergrad at the University of Tulsa and trying to figure out what I should focus on doing as a career at the time. Going to the creek and learning about water quality monitoring and projects really caught on with me, and I am so glad I went when he invited me.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Blue Thumb?
J: I have grown quite fond of our little creek. It’s an urban creek so it’s not as pretty as some, but I have grown to know and appreciate this small area of water that is a tributary to Mingo Creek and is home to all sorts of bugs, small fish, and one large turtle we have named Yurtle. Ducks and geese regularly use this area as a waypoint too. It’s nestled in between a neighborhood and a shopping center with a small park and playground nearby. It experiences a lot of trash being blown in and can also be source of shelter for those experiencing homelessness. As an urban creek in a low-income area, it holds immense opportunities to build people’s relationship and stewardship of water and their natural surroundings. It’s very important to me to combine conservation efforts that also meet the needs of those who use the area. One of my driving forces is a quote from Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” That is what I hope to do here.
K: I really enjoy the sense of community and purpose I’ve found in water protection in general, which started from my involvement with Blue Thumb. I have really taken off with water conservation topics in my school projects and senior project that I just finished up. It also inspired me to begin working toward a career in water planning, conservation, and stewardship. I am also excited to contribute more to Joanna’s projects she has planned for our creek! We want to foster community involvement in our watershed, especially since East Tulsa neighborhoods are underserved.
How long have you been with the program?
J: I’ve been monitoring since 2023, starting shortly after completing the training.
K: I started coming along to monitor monthly in May of 2024 and continued with Jerry and Joanna until Jerry left to go back to graduate school. I became a certified volunteer in October of 2024.
Is there a memorable moment or lesson from your time with Blue Thumb that stands out?
J: I would say this year in general. Hosting successful community cleans, receiving a Friends of Blue Thumb grant (!!), and working more closely with Cheryl and my monitoring partner Kathryn (they are both a wealth of information and I really appreciate their passion). I also really enjoy the time Kathryn and I had to pile in the back of my truck to monitor because it was a blistery cold morning outside, but we prevailed! We’re basically postmen; we monitor rain, sleet, snow or shine!
K: Anytime Cheryl comes to our creek to help with community events or stream clean-ups is wonderful. She met with us to plan our activities after the work day, which really meant a lot to me. I also love finding animals in the creek and seeing them flourish!
Blue Thumb Volunteers | Joanna Taulman & Kathryn Bartee