The Bird School Project is growing rapidly. We are in week two of teaching our first 5-week units, we are working with over 500 students, and we are working feverishly to acquire fiscal sponsorship so that we can start our large-scale fundraising campaign. But amidst all of the development, one of the most exciting advances has been the creation of our internship and volunteer opportunities.
We have assembled a team of five enthusiastic, skilled, magical, environmental education superheroes to help us in achieving our goal of providing quality experiential outdoor education for the students we serve. We are so excited about all of them that we wanted to introduce each of them to you.
Emma Wheeler was born in the rolling hills of Marin, amidst the trill of a yellow warbler and a flute song. She was drawn to the wild ways of the outdoors and all it's secrets--searching for answers as far as the Cordillera of Argentina, and as close as UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. Emma has scooped ice cream, she's managed garden beds, practiced yoga in the depths of redwood groves, and influenced hundreds of young minds. The Bird School Project is hooting with excitement to have such a talented and experienced educator as an intern this year...plus look at those dimples!!!
Nik Madsen is a rock-climbing, bluegrass pickin', wave-riding bird nerd. He is studying Biology at UCSC and works as a trip leader for the UCSC recreation department. This past summer, Nik worked for the Ventana Wildlife Society teaching young students about California Condor conservation and coastal natural history. Nik is one of the current organizers of the UCSC natural history club and spends his time playing outside and inspiring young naturalists. We are thrilled to have this positive role model on our team of superheroes.
Rozy Bathrick spent her early years in Berkeley, with two wonderful siblings. She would often travel with her family to their farm in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where they would bike through fairy tale-like Douglas Fir forests and listen to unseen warblers singing. She formed a close connection with the natural world at a young age, and now works to share this connection with others by leading numerous outdoor trips for UCSC students, helping people develop nature illustration and journaling skills, and by getting kids psyched about birds! Rozy has a magical knack for working with kids. She sparks meaningful discussion and inspires her students. If you are ever in Santa Cruz, head down to Westcliff Dr. and you will likely see Rozy birding on her roller skates...
Kati Sullivan grew up around the snowy peaks of Boulder, CO. She is the shining ray of light you wish you always had around. Kati works as a nature awareness instructor for the Riekes Center for Human Enhancement and spends many of her days getting muddy, building stick forts, and leading young people through the natural wonders of the UCSC campus. Kati is a survival skills ninja and has been known to carry out lengthy conversations with the local birds in her backyard. She is an ecstatic dancer and an incredibly rich source of positive energy.
Scott MacWilliam is as sweet as pumpkin pie in the heart of the fall season. Scott is an experienced educator, sea kayak guide, and a wonderful musician and singer. He works at the Riekes Center for Human Enhancement as a nature awareness instructor and can often be found telling riveting stories to kids around a campfire or in the redwoods. Scott is an adventurous backpacker, talented wildlife photographer, and has often been called "a really great guy." We wholeheartedly agree and couldn't be happier that he is on the team!
We are shaking our tail feathers with joy at these amazing dedicated instructors and are looking forward to incorporating their unique backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge into our program.
