“Instructions for living a life; Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” ― Mary Oliver Work Experience Scenic Hudson Americorps Intern / January 2014 – November 2014 -Educational Outreach Assistant Member of the Education team working closely with the Outreach Coordinator and other staff members to effectively engage and connect the community to the Hudson River and Scenic Hudson Parks. Organized and conducted over 50 programs and field trips. Led topics ranging from water quality, river studies, habitat explorations, adaptations, birding, local history, environmental stewardship, and art projects. Launched a citizen science project concerning amphibian species and woodland pool preservation. Aided in and ran events such as: volunteer work days, community open houses, 5K trail race, farmland bike tour, “The Great Hudson River Fish Count”, Rhythm on the Riverfront concert series and much more. Produced various graphic design outreach materials such as: interpretive signage, Climate Change booklet for 2014, and Woodland Pool Nature Notes. Assisted Natural Resource Manager in vegetation and invasive species monitoring.
Seward Park Audubon Nature Center / June 2013 – December 2013 -Summer camp leader and Center naturalist/Educator Responsible for directing and mentoring youth in scientific and ecological framed programs such as: bird identification, ethnobotany, water ecology, macro-invertebrates, wilderness awareness, team building, urban/nature photography and more. Conducted over 20 in-class ornithology programs consisting of widespread bird adaptation curriculum along with hands-on owl pellet dissection via the scientific method.
Designed and led curriculums for toddler programs (ages 1-5) focusing on outdoor exploration and engagement with the outdoors.
Fostered connections with community by promoting center programs through guided nature walks, gift shop consulting, and open house events.
Internships
Friends of the Dunes / September 2011 – November 2011
-Educator/Naturalist
Led elementary students on educational fieldtrips in Dune and Marsh environments. Conducted hands-on activities such as wildflower identification, marsh exploration, bird identification, animal tracking, tide book exercises and more.
Volunteering..............................................................................................................
Student Conservation Association- Hudson Valley Corps
-Member
Participated in monthly service projects ranging from I Love my Parks Day to extensive trail building. Led host-site Service Project focusing on amphibian monitoring and habitat restoration, directing a group of young adult SCA members in the field.
Attended professional development workshops such as: Aerie Wilderness Survival, Teaching the Hudson Valley Farms &Food and Climate Change in the Hudson Valley, DEC’s Day in The Life of the Hudson River and more.
Redwood Roots Farm / March 2012 – May 2012
-Farm Volunteer Spent two shifts a week tilling plots, planting and harvesting crops, tomato planting in small greenhouse, and general upkeep of small CSA Farm.
Hands-on training in small organic farm and Community Supported Agriculture.
Participated in educational day-at-the-farm program with Pre-K students connecting young minds with food concepts.
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Sara Spoden