Our goal here at CNC is to help people gain knowledge of the natural world which leads to respect, then love and finally to conservation. I am a believer in teaching children and young adults about our native wildlife because when learning is interesting, fun and hands-on, it becomes contagious and gets the learning ball rolling through the community. Some of my time as wildlife curator is spent working with students who request help with school reports about specific animals, like the second-grader working on a Barn Owl report or the 6th grader working on a Red Wolf report. At other times older students want to know more about being a wildlife curator, like the college student who is currently following me with a camera and notepad. I recently worked with a middle school student who obviously had a strong interest in wildlife, was full of animal facts, but wasn’t sure about his career. Through our conversations he realized that an interpretive ranger might be a good field for him. Another example is the high school student who fulfilled her required volunteer hours here at the Chattanooga Nature Center. Not only has she gained some valuable experience, but she has given back to CNC as a responsible and dependable volunteer.

With so many career choices today, a school report or a job-shadowing experience might lead a student to a new found opportunity and eventual career. I’m excited and honored to be a part of that process!