Who I Am — Your Site Title

Who I am

I will begin by being candid with you. When I started my journey in environmental conservation, I had no grand sense of a higher purpose. I just wanted adventure and a backstage pass to my favorite parks...

However, 10 years of “getting paid to hike” by working as a camp counselor with the girl scouts, as a naturalist guide from dark skies in Moab to canoeing the cascades lakes in Bend, and as Park Ranger with government land agencies, meant I was introduced to pristine skies, close-up views of pikas, ambling desert tortoises, and countless other inspiring pieces of nature. Pieces that I learned could be lost if those of us who cared didn’t fight to protect them and educate others about the importance of conservation of, and connection to, the natural world.

As I matured with my career, I found myself becoming an advocate. That backstage pass showed me it was not miracles or magic, but science and ecology that held the wonder of the world. I also learned that the way to find solutions in conservation came from humans who collaborated and actively worked for those solutions. This new drive lead my career shift into environmental advocacy, landing me where I am now work I aim to connect you, my reader, with the natural world around you, through my stories and pictures.

I'm looking forward to this journey together. Let's hit the trail.

See Me in Action

My First Ranger Gig

Cedar Breaks National Monument

My introduction into public lands, interpretation, and being a naturalist as a career. This summer was also the first time I picked up a pair of binoculars or a camera, although neither became a big hobby until later on.
What I do now: Conservation Communication

Oregon Wild

Now, my days consist of educating others about environmental and public lands policy. Both the threats to our treasured places, and the laws and regulations that structure their stewardship can be nuanced topics. Through social media, in person events, writing, and photography, I tell the story of the fight to save our public lands.
Certified Interpretive Guide & Dark Sky Master Naturalist

Interpreting Nature

Through interpretation, understanding; through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection."
-Tilden
It’s the founding quote of the field for a reason. I take my training as a naturalist where ever I go.
Park Naturalist

Snow Canyon State Park

Hands down a dream job. I was luckily enough to serve as the head of Visitor Services for this sandstone wonder of a park in the Mojave Desert. From running the field trip program and seeing thousands of kids discover the natural wonders of the desert to working with Desert Tortoises and Gila Monsters, this job gave me the opportunity to hone my skill as a science communicator.
Birder at Heart

In my free time, you’ll find me with my camera and a pair of binoculars. Birding is one of the best ways to see wildlife, and it reminds me how much the line between humans and the plants and animals around us is mostly made up. Watching these feathered wonders raise young, find food, pair up, and travel the world keeps me connected to nature.
Restoration

Desert National Wildlife Refuge
I’ve worked with a few agencies, but few gave me the opportunity to get as hands on as my time with US Fish and Wildlife Service. Banding birds, building backcountry water tanks for bighorn sheep, and working with local tribes to revegetate and restore habitat all shaped my time in the largest wildlife refuge in the lower 48.
Marine Exploration

Oregon Coast
My newest adventures have been those along the salt sprayed basalt of the Oregon Coast. Having moved from the desert, intertidal zones have captured my naturalist eye, and my photography is starting to reflect that.