Flora-Quest Guides Past and current: |
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we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught." Baba Dioum |
Adams, Ian His breath-taking photography has been an integral part of our educational Flora-Quests. He has several books in print on Ohio's natural places and most picturesque locations. Once you have seen the beauty of nature through Ian's camera, you'll never be the same. To browse his photos and see his full bio, go to: www.ianadamsphotography.com Bradbury, Kevin -He's back! After a couple years off following his retirement from ODNR- State Parks, Kevin is returning as a Flora-Quest guide. No one knows the park flora better than Kevin and he is an excellent guide. Ask him about his cross- country bicycle trip from Washington State to Portsmouth. You'll be impressed! Bedel, Chris- Chris has been the Preserve Director at Edge Of Appalachia (EOA) for 14 years and shares management of the 13,000 acre preserve system with the Ohio Chapter The Nature Conservancy. His professional interests focus on natural area management with an emphasis on protecting endangered species and education towards conservation. Daniels, Jaret- Our farthest traveling guide, Jaret 's day job is at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Jaret is not only an expert on butterflies, this author of Ohio Butterflies is extremely knowledgeable about flora as well. Jaret has a keen eye for spotting those rarities we all hope to see. Denny, Guy -Guy is best known among the prairie plant crowd, for his expertise in growing and maintaining a home prairie. He is also proficient with butterflies, dragonflies, and reptiles as well. As past Director of Ohio Dept. of Natural Areas and Preserves, he is extremely knowledgeable in of Ohio's flora and geology. Gardner, Rick- Rick is the Heritage Botanist for Ohio Division of Wildlife and one of the most knowledgeable botanist in Ohio. The Heritage program manages a comprehensive database, which is the list of all of Ohio's rare plants, animals and natural communities. A favorite guide, Rick has many rare and unusual plant finds to his credit. Gibson, Andrew- He may well be our youngest guide, but Andrew has worked diligently to learn the flora of Adams and Scioto Counties. He is also an excellent photographer. We are happy to welcome him aboard. Howard, John- John is a freelance naturalist and wildlife/nature photographer who lives in southern Ohio. John specializes in prairie ecology, butterflies and botany and is adept in many other facets of the great outdoors. An avid conservationist and one of Ohio's best naturalists, he is a former board member of the Highland Sanctuary. Knoop, Paul- Paul worked as a naturalist and administrator at the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm for 35 years and has a life-long interest in natural history, especially birds, native plants and insects. Other interests include nature education for children, preservation of native Ohio ecosystems and tall grass prairie restorations. Jester, Nate- Nate was the past Forest Manager for Shawnee State Forest, and although he has been promoted to Southern Ohio District Forester, he is still willing to come back to Flora-Quest to share his knowledge and expertise. He has an advocate for the road-side flowers in the forest, we are happy to welcome him back. Larson, Jason- Jason is well known among the bird and botany types. He is a first rate naturalist, who has compiled the flora of Salt Fork, and now he's the Director of Richland County Park District. Not only a wealth of knowledge, Jason has a reputation for being fun in the field as well. AKA: Sunshine Boy II McCarty, Rich - Rich works for The Nature Conservancy, and is the manager of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve. As such, he oversees one of the most amazing collections of rare flora and fauna remaining in Ohio. Rich is very familiar with not only flora, but many other aspects of Ohio's natural history. McAllister, Martin - Al long time employee of Ohio Division of Natural Resources, ODNR, Martin is a lifelong resident of the area, an outstanding naturalist, and knows the flora and fauna of the region well. He is very active in preservation efforts for Scioto Brush Creek, taking a lead role in the Friends of Brush Creek Organization. McKee, Steve- Grew up in Mansfield, Ohio and has been Director of Gorman Nature Center and Richland County Park District since 1978. A Miami graduate with a degree in botany, Steve is enthusiastic about native plants and birds. He is currently working on a survey of Richland County plants and the breeding birds of Mohican. Miller, Greg- A main character of a book: The Big Year (now turned movie), Greg is a fun-loving birder who traveled extensively to compete for the record of the most species of birds seen in the ABA. Birders and non-birders alike are drawn to his warm personality and humble charm. You want to spend time in the field with this expert if you bird, and non-birders will want to meet this well-known friend of Flora-Quest. Placier, Bob Scott- A native of southern Ohio, Bob is an instructor at the School of Natural Resources at Hocking College at Nelsonville. His interests lie in forest ecology , conservation, biology and ornithology, with specialties in bird banding and Northern Saw-whet Owl studies. Bob is currently the president of the Athens Conservancy. Snyder, Timothy - Retired from Ohio Division of Natural Areas, Tim became well versed in geology and flora. His popular book, "Rainbows of Rock, Tables of Stone" sprung forth from a project started some 26 years ago. Also active in Ohio Sportmans Writers, Tim will bring his many years of expertise of Natural Areas and geology to our trips. Whan, Pete- has an arts degree from Ohio University and a Recreation and Wildlife degree from Hocking College. He worked at the Edge of Appalachia for 15 years, five years as an employee of the Cincinnati Natural History Museum and ten with the Nature Conservancy, currently he is working at having a great time in Florida. |