Sue Stevens

"I’m not content to sit around. I have big plans for this place!"

When Sue Stevens, a retired nurse, boldly moved from the bustling streets of New York City to the more tranquil Missouri it was time to build a life according to Sue!

Sue’s love for nature is at the heart of everything she does. She jumped at the opportunity to become a certified Missouri Master Naturalist, immersing herself in the study of birds, trees and ecology. “Becoming a naturalist is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself,” Sue shares.

This experience opened countless doors for her, from tracking Monarch butterflies to participating in a bird survey with the Missouri Department of Conservation. In fact, Sue is so dedicated to the preservation of nature that she volunteers her time for ongoing projects, including tracking eagle nests for a study by Cornell University.

Her passion for the environment extends beyond her personal interests. When she noticed the need for greater native plantings and pollinators in the gardens of EverTrue Breeze Park, Sue set out to make a difference. With a wealth of knowledge from her forestry volunteer work, she’s advocating for more native trees and sharing her expertise with her neighbors. Through her efforts, she’s inspired the community’s Garden Club to learn about ecological sustainability, even arranging speakers and field trips. “I’m not content to sit around. I have big plans for this place!”

Whether it’s enjoying a picnic or organizing outings, Sue knows how to bring people together. She’s also known for her love of Mah Jongg, which she introduced to the community after learning there wasn’t a regular game. Now, a group of residents meet weekly to play, and Sue has even taught several new players, making sure everyone feels welcome.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Sue’s interests continue to expand. Recently, she completed a class through the National Weather Service to become a trained “Weather Watcher,” able to identify and report unusual weather conditions. It’s yet another testament to her desire to stay engaged with the world around her and to continually learn.

What’s most remarkable about Sue Stevens is not just the breadth of her passions, but the energy and joy she brings to everything she does. Whether she’s with her faithful dog, Lucy, monitoring birds or tracking weather patterns, Sue embodies the spirit of living life to the fullest. As she’d say, “There’s an awful lot to do out there!”