The hook is set. As for her children, Merlotti hopes they will learn the love and respect for nature that she feels. Fitting, since it all started with a bug. Bugs are good bait. Hang in there, Connie, for your dreams just may come true.
Dreams become reality.
Libby Lancaster knows. Marian Goodding, naturalist at Montauk State Park, helped Lancaster to get over her fear and to earn her first junior naturalist patch. The patch was an inspiration to Lancaster. Fear soon changed to awe. As a child, Lancaster followed Goodding around the park.