People

Currently, I work for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in Pennsylvania as a Park Resource Ranger. I can do a variety of tasks within this position, anywhere from educational programs, providing and fielding questions by the general public, campground permits, maintenance, and clerical work. I am a CIG (certified interpretive guide) through NAI (National Association of Interpreters). & I obtained certification through BSA (Boy Scouts of America, now known as Scouting America) for ecology & conservation directing. Goals include recreation programs/guiding experiences, natural resource management, and a long-term goal of mine is to become a park manager/director. 

When I am not busy working, in my free time, I love to fish, volunteer at the local fire department, garden, and visit with family and friends. I am currently in grad school pursuing dual degrees in park resource management (Master of Science)  and environmental education (Master of Education). 

With over 20 years of experience as an outdoor educator and a background in Environmental Education and Conservation Biology, I’ve taught in diverse settings—from U.S. nature programs to cheetah conservation work in Kenya. In 2019, I founded the National Outdoor Learning Alliance (NOLA) in Boise, Idaho, where I serve as executive director. Through programs like EverWild Forest School, NOLA empowers children to thrive through place-based outdoor education. I'm also a speaker, business coach, and passionate advocate for equitable access to nature.

Laura Downey, Executive Director, Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education--From an early age, being outdoors in every season was an important part of Laura's time growing up. The woods, ponds and sand dunes of Michigan were where she spent time exploring and observing the world around her. As important to her as time spent outdoors was playing "teacher" and that interest carried into her professional life. Laura holds a B.S. in elementary education, an M.S. in Administration and Supervision and PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Math, Science and Technology). Laura's career has centered around a deep belief in the power of education to change the world. She began her career teaching in the Chicago Public Schools system and early on recognized the power of working collaboratively to do more better. She is one of the founders of a nonprofit focused on engaging teachers in school reform, has had the privledge of working side by side with social disruptors and become a voice for school change in Chicago. She moved to Kansas and continued to teach at the elementary, middle and preservice level and it was here that she found the field of environmental educaiton and recognized that EE was an ideal match for her passions, interests and values. Laura joined KACEE in 1998 and gravitated toward the affiliate network as an opportunity to amplify the work we are doing. Laura has also been engaged in the leadership for Project Learning Tree's Education Operating Committee and served on the boards of the American Forest Foundation, the Sustainable Forestry Intiative, the Council for Elementary Science International and several local boards including serving as the co-chair for Kansans for Conservation. She brings 25 years of experience in affiliate nonprofit management.

Program Manager at Earth Force

I work with Early Childhood Programs across Pennsylvania to ensure they are using quality practices within their programs. I coach directors and teachers and provide resources including professional development to them to support their growth and continued success. My current project is developing professional development based on teacher-child interactions outside the classroom walls and within the context of outdoor environments.

My name is Amber Ewing and I'm a current employee of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service. I'm looking to gain more professional develoment skills related to environmental education since my long-term career goals include becoming a full-time Naturalist or Interpretive Park Ranger.