A DEEPENING CONNECTION TO NATURE

For Bob Harbaugh, M.D., love of the natural world runs in the family. His dad was an earth sciences professor and both his grandfather and brother were geologists. For Bob and his wife Kathy Harbaugh, M.S., their passion for the natural world started at a young age. Kathy remembers visiting her grandmother’s family home in Minnesota and enjoying the outdoors with her natureloving parents.

For nearly four decades, the Museum and surrounding community has benefited from their deep connections to nature.

Kathy became a Museum docent in 1983 soon after the couple moved to Santa Barbara. As a science teacher with a background in marine biology, Kathy recognizes the importance of education and providing hands-on science to students. “I love to engage children in nature,” she says.

After almost 25 years as a docent, Kathy’s knowledge of the Museum was immense, and when asked to join the Museum staff in 2007 to manage the School & Teacher Services Department, she jumped at the chance. Kathy wrote one of the key manuals that is still used by Museum educators today.

She formally retired in 2015, only to become a volunteer educator again.

Bob’s volunteer experience began by organizing multiday, informal field trips for the Museum community to such destinations as Death Valley, Mojave Preserve, and Joshua Tree. He now volunteers with Dibblee Curator of Earth Science Jonathan Hoffman, Ph.D. “Bob’s knowledge of geology and willingness to volunteer came at a critical time,” notes Dr. Hoffman. “Prior to renovating our mineral exhibit, we created a full inventory of the Museum’s mineral collection. Bob’s research work on that project unearthed valuable contextual data that makes our specimens more scientifically significant.”

Bob feels strongly that “giving back improves the quality of life in the community. It helps everyone. It is good for you, mentally and physically.” As a highly respected neurologist, Bob can professionally attest that “it’s really important that retirees have a passion and do things that are good for their mind and body, pushing yourself to learn more.” Bob did just that!

As Kathy and Bob’s devotion to the Museum continues through their myriad of volunteer activities, so does their level of support. They recently joined our most philanthropic level of membership—the Leadership Circles of Giving— as well as our Mission Creek Legacy Society, informing us that the Museum is included in their estate plans. Their generosity provides invaluable support for our educational programming, research, exhibits, and irreplaceable collections.

Bob explains, “After many years of interacting with the Museum, we just thought it was time to provide more than just volunteer assistance. We hope to continue showing our appreciation through raised levels of annual support.”

We are grateful for the rich history of support from individuals like Kathy and Bob, and look forward to working together as we foster a love of the natural world, responsible conservation, and stewardship for generations to come.

Explore ways to support the Museum: sbnature.org/support