Hello. My name is Tim. I am an Environmental Scientist at Duke Energy. My job is to take care of the natural resources on Duke Energy's property. You’d probably be amazed at all the different wildlife that makes their homes on Duke Energy’s property. In fact, I work to monitor many species that are threatened and endangered. An endangered animal means that it is close to extinction or there are very few of its kind left. I spend many hours out on our property with my binoculars looking for endangered animals. I also look for their signs, which means evidence that the animal has left behind, such as tracks and droppings. In some cases, I set up a special camera that takes a picture when an animal passes by it.

Duke Energy is proud to be the home of Peregrine Falcons, Indiana Bats, Least Terns and the American Bald Eagle. At our Cayuga Generating Station in western Indiana, we have the largest wintering migration site of Bald Eagles in Indiana. Every year in February, we host our Bald Eagle Viewing Days. Kids just like you travel from all over to get a close look at the Bald Eagle in its natural habitat. We have had guests from as far away as Wyoming. It is a birdwatcher’s dreams come true. When it gets cold outside, the eagles love the warm water sent out from our power station. The warm water keeps the river next to the station from freezing and the fish in the river, which the eagles feed on, love the warm water too.

We manage our property for quality wildlife habitat. Each year we plant thousands of tree seedlings. We also plant prairie grasses, wildflowers, clover mixes and grain crops such as sunflowers for wildlife.

Each year we open our doors to hundreds of school children to learn about their natural environment. Kids, as well as teachers, learn the importance and appreciation of wetlands function, biology, bug-insects, wildlife, fish and other aspects of nature. These are the fun activities, but there is a serious side to my job too. I have to make sure Duke Energy follows all of the environmental federal and state laws and regulations. For example, each year a small, gull-like bird called the Least Tern comes to nest at our Gibson Generating Station in southwestern Indiana. The Least Tern is a federally endangered species, which means it’s illegal to kill, harm or harass the bird, its nests, eggs or chicks. Sometimes the Least Terns nest right in the middle of where we are working at the power plant. It’s my job to find the nests and make sure the power plant workers stay clear of the nesting area.

To tell you the truth, I think I have the coolest job here at Duke Energy. I get to spend a lot of time outside. I get to work with other scientists, teachers, birdwatchers and kids. I get to see and enjoy nature's beauty almost everyday; but most importantly, I get to help make our world a better place for wildlife and people.