People

Dr. Lynson G. Ablaza is an Outdoor Education Specialist at the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center. With 30 years in education—including 20 years teaching K–12 in the U.S.—his passion for the environment began in high school through the Saving Mother Earth Movement. He intentionally integrates outdoor experiences like hiking, planting, animal handling, and conservation projects into his instruction to bring concepts and vocabulary to life. Dr. Ablaza believes immersive outdoor learning empowers students to become thoughtful stewards of the planet they will inherit.

For three years I facilitated two of the four WI Registry Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Credential courses at UW-Whitewater. Prior to COVID, I created the Wonder Bugs Preschool Program (child and adult program) and implemented the Nature Preschool at Aldo Leopold Nature Center.

Born and raised in NC from the flatlands, to the beach, to the mountains, where I feel the most at home. I graduated with a degree in wildlfie management in 2022 and have been working at a wonderful non-profit ever since. The last several years I have transitioned into a wildlife director role and educator there. I am very passionate about teaching we humans about coexisting with wildlife and conserving it. I care about wildlife deeply and I love to see others learn to care about them right before my eyes! I am a devoted dog, cat, and chicken mom and enjoy being outdoors. 

I am a student at the University of Wisconsin Steven's Point, studying enviornmental education and interpretation.