Lyndall Dickinson is a naturalist at the Center and has been working there since 1995. Dickinson loves working at Brookside's Nature Center, despite the unpredictable behavior of some of her wards. And Dickinson along with volunteer Jennifer Slack are two of the main reasons why Patches, a now-famous box turtle at the center, has made a full recovery. Using fiberglass, they repaired part of his shell that was smashed in a car accident. Often, people call with questions about creatures from their own backyards, or they stop by with a black snake, wanting to know more.
Teachers routinely call for more information or to report a unique discovery.
The Nature Center works in conjunction with the school system in Montgomery County for field trips and nature programs for kids in the elementary schools. There are also programs offered to the public. The squirrels are a bit smaller than gray squirrels. They glide smoothly from tree to tree to grab and eat the worms or nuts that are left out for them. It can be quite exciting to watch.