Autumn Saxton-Ross, Ph.D. Joins NatureBridge
Autumn has dedicated her career to improving the health of communities through engagement, activity, education, exposure, and opportunity, truly believing that a healthy life is lived better outdoors. With degrees in sociology, health education, and exercise science, her research, academic, and professional interests are on the social and physical environment and their influences on physical activity, specifically in Black and urban populations, and the health benefits (mental, physical and economic) of parks and green spaces. She has made Washington DC her home for over 20 years and has experience working with multiple public institutions in the area, including: DC Public Schools, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, DC Department of Health, Howard University, and the National Collaborative for Health Equity. Under her leadership, NatureBridge will continue to deliver model programs in Prince William Forest Park and Shenandoah National Park and use its influence to advance the field of environmental education nationwide.
Want to learn more about Autumn? Read her two-minute interview: #
NatureBridge Campuses: Prince William Forest Park
What does it look like when you are great at your job?: For me, success (in all things) looks seamless and cohesive. Whether things are going great or are challenging, it is about creating a good process that allows me (and the team I work with) to be responsive versus reactive.
Favorite National Park: Anacostia Park and The Hiker-Biker Trail
How do you love to spend your time outside of work?: I love to spend time grilling, hiking, sitting on my porch and just hanging out with friends and family.
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.