Leaders in
Environmental Education
Curious about the experts leading your favorite park programs? Our naturalists are the experts behind the educational programs at Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks.
As professional environmental educators, they lead the guided nature hikes, wildlife workshops, and school field trips that connect the St. Croix Valley community to our local ecosystems. By bridging the gap between park science and hands-on discovery, our team ensures the next generation is equipped to protect our natural resources. They don't just teach; they inspire. Get to know our naturalist below and discover the professional expertise they bring to every trail, creek, and campfire.
Inspiring Outdoor Adventure
Meet Ash, Lead Naturalist & Nature Center Coordinator
For the last 25+ years, Ash has spent many of her days hiking, fishing, kayaking, mushroom foraging and exploring both Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. Now, her two young children tag along with her and enjoy the beauty and activities that both parks have to offer. Ash organizes and runs educational classes, programs and events for the Friends Group and manages the Nature Center. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She has a passion for providing exceptional environmental education to the public and groups of all ages. Her main focus at the park is encouraging wise-use of natural resources and respect towards wildlife and the environment in order to advance the quality of life for future generations.
View our event calendar to see what programs Ash has to offer!
Hannah joined the Friends in 2026, bringing over six years of expertise in digital strategy and brand management to our mission.
Driven by a commitment to connection and environmental stewardship, she leads our transition into a professionally staffed nonprofit –a critical evolution in scaling our impact for Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. She holds a BBA in business management from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, supported by certificates in leadership studies and advanced business communications.
By integrating professional design with scalable infrastructure and data-driven outreach, Hannah modernizes the Friends' digital presence while optimizing the operational workflows that fuel our Board of Directors. She directs the organization’s holistic digital strategy, ensuring that our systems translate directly into mission impact and meaningful community engagement. By streamlining these vital systems, Hannah empowers the Board to shift their focus from daily operations to high-level advocacy, maximizing the organization’s capacity to fund critical conservation and education projects.
Beyond designing digital systems, Hannah is often found on the trail capturing the authentic beauty of our parks to create engaging digital content. By blending professional skill with a personal passion for the outdoors, Hannah helps our community see the natural world through a new lens—deepening their connection to the Friends' mission.
Connecting the Community