Staff Spotlight: Linnea Joy Pierson
Whether it’s our national park classrooms, the incredible opportunity to impact our local communities through science and education or the life-changing experiences we get to witness when young people participate in our programs, at NatureBridge we have so much to be grateful for! For Environmental Science Educator Linnea Joy Pierson, the moments she cherishes most are the times when she can see the joy, curiosity and community developing in her students while exploring the Yosemite wilderness. Originally from San Jose, CA, Linnea grew up valuing the outdoors and even attended a NatureBridge program (then called Yosemite Institute) as a student where she felt the transformative power of connecting with nature first-hand.
As a former student of NatureBridge/Yosemite Institute, I am living proof that this is an invaluable experience that has untold ripples.Linnea Joy Pierson, NatureBridge Environmental Science Educator, Yosemite
That has come full circle with Linnea now working as the evening manager at NatureBridge’s Yosemite campus. Linnea is thankful to be able to experience the excitement of investigating macroinvertebrates, the sense of accomplishment when hiking to the top of a waterfall and the transformation of students who have the opportunity to thrive in an outdoor environment. “I often chat with their teachers and chaperones into the night as they share about the changes they've seen in their students,” Linnea says. “My role as an evening manager provides me the opportunity to see the glow of group energy when schools return from their campfire programs on Thursday nights.”
During our closing circle on departure day, students often share what was most meaningful in their trip, both their connections to the land and to each other. It is an honor and a delight to be a part of their journey.Linnea Joy Pierson, NatureBridge Environmental Science Educator, Yosemite
Linnea sums up her experience with gratitude: “I am grateful to have a job where I can make a difference. I am grateful to Jen Kidder (Olympic Campus Director) for being my Yosemite Institute educator in 2006. I am grateful for the many coworkers and supervisors who have inspired me to be a better version of myself.” We at NatureBridge are grateful for the many educators and staff who make these experiences possible and allow us to continue to live our mission to introduce students to the science and wonder of the natural world.
Photos courtesy of Linnea Joy Pierson
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.