People

I am the Education Program Coordinator for the Alabama Forestry Foundation and the State Coordinator for Project Learning Tree. I lead many environmental education programs for K-12 and teachers.

I have my degree in Natural Resources Management and Nature-based Recreation through the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University. I was active during my time in college; as president of the Society for Natural Resources, a member of the Forest Environment Wildlife Leadership Academy, was awarded Natural Resources Student of the Year and graduated Cum Laude. 

In the past, I have worked in nature-based education and recreation. I have a passion for outdoor education and environmental interpretation. I am proud to be an advocate of our natural world. What a privilege it is to work with the planet Earth!

Dr. Lauren Madden is a Professor of Elementary Science Education at The College of New Jersey, where she also coordinates programming in Environmental Sustainability Education. Her research has been supported by grants from the New Jersey SeaGrant Consortium, National Science Foundation, and US Environmental Protection Agency. She has written more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on science and environmental education. Her current work focuses directly on climate change education; she was the lead author on the New Jersey School Boards’ Association & Sustainable Jersey For Schools’ Report on K-12 Climate Change Education Needs in New Jersey. Her most recent book, Climate Change Education Across Disciplines K-12:  New Jersey and Beyond, shares advice and recommendations from 42 author-experts in an edited volume, due came out in February 2025.  Dr. Madden’s expertise has been featured prominently in many media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, NPR, and the Star Ledger.

My life has been around a constellation of influences within and around the natural world.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences & Teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. I hold certificates as a Certified Interpretive Guide and Environmental Education Certification.

Keeping myself grounded to the Land, I strive to create positive outdoor experiences for the community.

I am a wildlife ecologist and science educator. I run the public programs (K-12 field trips, in-class programs, curriculum development, citizen science projects, adult learning and volunteer opportunities) at the Univ. of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.

Hi I am Katie a small business owner and photographer.  I am an avid hiker, adventurer and explorer.  I have a BA in Anthropology and a MA in Environmental Studies.  I am a mother to two young boys and focus on providing them with educational opportunities to explore nature and our state and national parks.  I also run a trail group specifically for moms looking to opt outside and connect with other families that prioritize hiking, and being in nature.

Katie Boyd is a community engagement specialist at the Washington State Climate Office in the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington. Her background is in atmospheric science, ecology, and education research. She engages in climate education, communication and training, helping build more resilient communities. She also does research and evaluation on educational projects and helps develop educational materials.

I am a Va Master Naturalist, a long-time teacher from pre-K to college to adult.

I am a Professor in Environmental Studies with a focus on place-based environmental education and healthy and sustainable communities, primarily through The Engagement Lab. I am interested in cultural inclusion and participatory practices with particular interest in coastal California and Mexico.

Dr. Firrdevs Burcak is  an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at Biruni University. Her award-winning doctoral research focused on enhancing the quality of outdoor learning environments in preschools and supporting teachers’ effective use of these spaces. As a Visiting Scholar at the University of Minnesota Duluth, she collaborated with Professor Julie Ernst on research into nature’s impact on young children’s resilience and curiosity.

Dr. Burcak’s academic interests center on supporting children’s development and learning through nature-based learning with a particular focus on fostering resilience in both children and educators as well as promoting social-emotional learning and emotional well-being. In addition to her research, she has completed the Compassion-Based Resilience Teacher Training led by Dr. Joe Loizzo at the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science and the Resilience Expert Training led by Dr. Michael Ungar at the Resilience Research Centre. Dedicated to advancing nature-based learning in early education, she engages with educators, school leaders, and families through seminars and workshops focused on nature pedagogy. She is the author of Outdoor Learning Environments in Early Childhood Education: Design & Effective Use.

Sarada has a Masters in Ecology, and has worked in environmental consulting as well as environmental education.  She has worked in organizations such as Chicago Botanic Garden, Three Rivers Park District, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and Communitopia, where she developed and taught hands-on programs for all ages and helped design interactive exhibits and spaces.  She is passionate about increasing access to nature for everyone, especially for young people. She is a 2023 CEE-Change Fellow.