Connecting people with nature is my passion. Ever since writing my High School Junior Theme “Why We Should Conserve Wildlife,” I have followed this path. For the past 40 years, I have worked for The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, Seattle Parks Foundation, Naturalist Journeys and as a consultant for Friends of North Creek Forest.
I call my business Conservation Catalyst, which translated means to make conservation happen. This is my life mission. Land and species have been protected, nature education centers established, park projects implemented, a forest in Bothell saved and thousands of people educated and inspired to conserve our natural heritage due in part to my efforts. My work is guided by a quote from natural history writer Robert Michael Pyle: “People who care, conserve, people who don’t know, don’t care.”
Currently, I am a Pacific Northwest birding and natural history tour guide, a tree and parks steward and advocate, author of the book “Look Up! Birds and Other Natural Wonders Just Outside Your Window“ and monthly birding and natural history blogs. I am a skilled interpreter and educator with special expertise in birds. To augment field experiences, I am a natural storyteller. Joy, humor and fun are encouraged on my trips.
Testimonials
Your talk, punctuated by amazing images of gorgeous birds, was fabulous. I heard from several folks on the Zoom channel and from many of us in-person folks how they loved the presentation and its high quality. Frankly, you made many of us want to travel to Texas immediately!
We all left saying “That was a great morning!” Thanks so much for your time, knowledge and enthusiasm. I think we will be able to turn around and use some of the ideas, concepts and observations with the students this fall. I have spent a lot of time walking in the Fill over the years and I will never look at it in the same way after viewing the land through your eyes!
You are a very talented speaker – smooth and natural, with your store of pertinent information fluently at hand. I have been complimented for my choice of program; it was my good luck to connect with a winner!
You are the best tour guide in the world! – Hilary Hischer, Former Communication Director for Audubon Washington and The Nature Conservancy of Washington
What a terrific way to broaden our horizons! (Tanzania Safari presentation)
Adam and I just wanted to say thanks again for being our guide for the bird watching class at the Watershed. Adam has been repeating that it should be called “family-friendly FUN birding.” He really did have a good time, and learned a lot. Thanks for your patience while he was learning trail etiquette and was getting over his fascination with the scope! I also had a good time & definitely appreciated your expertise in tuning up my ears to the bird calls.