It was in the very early days of Griffith University that Elaine Birk met Angela Arthington on the Nathan campus. This was an exciting, heady time as a handful of academics and professional staff planned for the opening of the University, and for the first cohort of students in the School of Australian Environmental Studies (AES).
Elaine had commenced at Griffith in 1973 prior to its official opening, as research assistant to Professor Calvin Rose, Foundation Chairman of the School of AES - but it was in 1975 that she met Angela, a newly appointed lecturer in the School of AES. Elaine and Angela were part of the formative years of Griffith as students and staff enjoyed numerous adventures, vibrant conversations and collaborative study.
Once the University opened, Elaine enrolled in a Masters of Philosophy in Forest Ecology at Griffith and was part of the first cohort of students. She then was the first M Phil Griffith graduate in 1978. Elaine went on to complete her PhD in Forestry Science at the University of North Carolina, later joining Rayonier New Zealand, a private forestry company based in Auckland. Angela has enjoyed an impressive career at Griffith University, including the formation of the original Centre for Catchment and In-Stream Research (CCISR) which continued under several titles, eventually becoming what is now the Australian Rivers Institute (ARI).
Elaine and Angela have remained firm friends throughout their lives and careers - they have reunited and travelled in Australia, USA and New Zealand, and continue to share a love of creating and tending beautiful gardens.