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
Woody is a remarkable guide! His natural history guiding is done with deep knowledge and personal commitment. He is an engaging speaker too. The Friends of Ravenna-Cowen were glad that Woody could assist our organization with an engaging interpretive talk about this natural history, plants, birds, and wildlife in Ravenna Park in Seattle. Our tour groups were delighted!
I’ve met several birding “instructors,” but your ability to teach in a kind, enthusiastic and inclusive way stands out. Your extensive knowledge of birds and your warm personality inspire me to learn and appreciate the amazing world that surrounds us – even on the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Re: So… what are you reading?
by vibramhead »
Just finished a fine little book called Look Up! Birds and Other Natural Wonders Just Outside Your Window, by Seattle writer Woody Wheeler. Much of the book has a Pacific Northwest focus. Here’s my Amazon review:
This isn’t a birding guide, it’s the book you should read before you buy a birding guide. In fact, you really don’t have to be a birder to enjoy it. It’s a wonderful collection of thoughtful little nuggets on natural history, our relationship with nature, and most importantly, the importance of tearing our eyes from our phones and computers and looking up in wonder at the nature right in front of our noses, in our own neighborhoods. While birds take center stage in this book, the essays range farther afield, to wolves, pikas, Patagonia, and even the virtues of rakes over leaf blowers. If you imagine a dollop of David Attenborough’s natural history, mixed with a modern-day backyard-philosopher Thoreau, leavened by the folksy storytelling of Garrison Keillor, you have some idea of what Woody Wheeler’s writing is like. One of my favorite things about this book is its optimism. It’s full of good news about our relationship with nature: neighbors working together to save a favorite local natural spot, or visionary philanthropists saving entire ecosystems. All you have to do is look up to see it.
I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your presentation Spring Into Birding Wednesday at the North Shore YMCA Senior National Fitness Day. It was wonderful! I learned so much, and could have listened for another hour. Besides your depth of knowledge and insights, your presentation skills are envious! Thank you so much.
What a terrific way to broaden our horizons! (Tanzania Safari presentation)