In early 2019 I learned about William’s work through The Marine Detective. At the time I was an Environmental Educator at SEA Discovery Center in Poulsbo, Washington. I contacted William, and for my birthday I bought myself a small sunflower star model. This sunflower star is on my desk and I see it every day. I brought the sunflower star to the classroom so that I could teach students about different types of sea stars — we had a few different species in our aquariums but no sunflower stars — and to talk about wasting disease and its impact. As a volunteer citizen scientist, I have been monitoring sea stars since 2013. I used to see sunflower stars all the time at low tide here in the Salish Sea, but I don’t think I’ve seen one in several years now. He also generously sent me a sea star pin as well. I had hoped to someday maybe visit him and see all his amazing work. I will think of him often, with gratitude. I am so amazed and grateful for all who help us preserve, cherish, admire, understand and value the wonders of the wild.
