Nature-based, small group trips to regional, national, and international destinations

I grew up on the south side of Holland on 20 acres with pond swimming, creek playing, animal caring fun! After unsuccessfully trying to nurse a baby mouse to adulthood I went on to care for baby rabbits, chickens and kittens along with caring for my pony and numerous other pets. Many a day was spent outdoors during my younger years getting comfortable with and learning about the native plants and animals that shared my play space.

In college, I spent a summer working for the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park and went on to get a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management from Grand Valley State University. I have worked as a naturalist for DeGraaf Nature Center and the ODC Network for over 26 years and have enjoyed sharing my love and knowledge of our natural world with countless youth and adults in our community. I have also led numerous Women’s Wilderness Weekends to northern Michigan and central Indiana and I have assisted on trips to the Great Smoky, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, and Acadia National Parks. I love and am amazed by the beauty of the natural world around us and would love to share an experience with you during an Explorer Network trip.