Rachel has a true passion for teaching and collaborating with those around her. As the Education Director, Rachel works to develop, seek support for, and oversees the District’s environmental and outdoor education programming at the Boardman River Nature Center and in the communities it serves. She truly believes that together, the District, our community and our program participants can educate and empower the next generation of conservation leaders. Rachel’s goal as the Education Director is to strive to expand programming to all in all seasons. Rachel is a firm believer in the saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Growing up, Rachel learned that if she wanted to be outside that she better be prepared.
Rachel grew up in the Traverse City area and frequently on the Leelanau peninsula helping her dad on her family’s sesquicentennial farm. She was often found running barefoot through the garden eating cherry tomatoes or having pickle-boat races with her sisters in the crick running through the farm into Lake Leelanau. Throughout her childhood and into her adulthood Rachel has found peace in nature. From fishing to hunting to camping, nature is her happy place. And you better believe she can spot a morel mushroom from an over-exaggerated amount of yardage away! (Thanks, Dad!)
Rachel leaped at the opportunity to share her passion with others via the Grand Traverse Conservation District. Through her education at Michigan Technological University with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management, Rachel continues to harness her inner Yooper-at-heart in her everyday life. She does this by always being prepared for the weather, being a lifelong learner, and always inspiring those around her to #getoutside.
Rachel hopes to continue to spread the joys of nature throughout her community and to anyone that will listen. Rachel’s hobbies include volunteering, the outdoors and exploring her creativity through many forms of art including photography, social media management and web design. As a professional wedding photographer Rachel thrives for making that personal connection with those around her and living by the idea of, “lets go for a walk”! Be like Rachel, #beprepared and #getoutside !
