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Volunteer Spotlight: Connie Sprynczynatyk

February 26th, 2026

Volunteering at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science is a family tradition for Connie Sprynczynatyk. She and husband Dave, along with their children, were charter members and volunteers who helped to make the vision of a hands-on science center in Bismarck a reality. That was in 1994. When Connie completed the NDSU Extension Master Gardener curriculum in 2024 and was on a visit to NDGTS with her grandsons, she noticed unplanted areas (“and a few weeds that needed me because I love to weed”).

Connie contacted CEO Beth Demke, wanting to take her turn as an NDGTS volunteer, and was invited to join the discussion about a new outdoor learning space. After plans progressed to the point of the pollinator garden discussion, she asked Burleigh County Extension educator, Kelsey Deckert, to spread the word about the help we needed. To our delight, 15 Master Gardeners signed up to assist with planning, planting, and nurturing a pollinator garden.

Leading Others

Connie really stepped up, putting her leadership and organizational skills to work. She requested a grant from NDSU Extension, and we also received a grant from Burleigh County Soil Conservation Service. The project was off and running! It was hard work, especially since the garden was estimated to be 25’X8’, but the result was more like 75’X35’ when the group began to lay it out. According to Connie, the project was the best kind of fun!
The Outdoor Explorium includes fun outdoor activities, and by September, the adjacent pollinator garden was alive with bright colors and busy pollinators. The entire space offers a plethora of teaching opportunities. This year, we hope to use the greenhouse to start some of the colorful annuals that students can help us plant in the pollinator garden. 

Why She Volunteers

“I love working within the GTS outdoor learning space. Mother Nature is a fine teacher, and students respond well to the idea that simply planting, watering, and weeding can support our pollinator population while it feeds our souls.”

Also in 2026, we will be planting three native grasses inside the enclosure, and we’ll need help with replacing, weeding, watering, and planting. For anyone who is happiest digging in the dirt, this is your volunteer dream. All levels of gardeners are welcome to join us; we promise learning and fun!

Celebrating Connie

We appreciate Connie for sharing not only her expertise, but also her genuine love for the outdoors. She’s always ready to jump in, tackle any task, and lead with a can‑do spirit. Thank you, Connie, for your steady commitment, your enthusiasm, and the difference you make every time you show up.

Join Us

Want to make an impact too? Volunteers help bring science to life for our visitors every day. Learn more about volunteer opportunities on our Volunteer page. (The NDSU Extension Master Gardener’s Program is currently on hiatus until 2027. Anyone interested in more information can contact Connie or Kelsey at Burleigh County Extension.)

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