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!
Leading with Wonder
Meet Jodi, Naturalist
Growing up in the country with parents who restored prairie land, Jodi developed a lifelong connection to the natural world at an early age. She has spent years camping, kayaking, hiking, and photographing wildlife across Wisconsin’s state parks. Eventually, Jodi turned her passion for the outdoors into community service as a volunteer at Peninsula, Kohler-Andrae, and Willow River State Parks.
A certified Wisconsin Master Naturalist with a background as a local middle and high school educator in Durand, she brings a strong foundation in hands-on teaching to her role. Jodi is particularly fascinated by nocturnal ecology—including bats, fireflies, and moths—and is excited to lead interactive bug hunts and mothing events at the Nature Center. (Be sure to ask her why opossums aren't actually the tick-eating heroes the internet claims they are!)
Her teaching philosophy centers on a simple goal: sparking genuine wonder. "I want to help adults find their inner child who used to love watching ladybugs or bumblebees," Jodi says, "and to support that same natural curiosity in children."
On the Trail with Jodi:
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What’s always in her pack? Magnifying lens and binoculars
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Fuel of choice: Oh Snap! Pickles (pouch only)
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First-timer advice: Just get out there. Walk a local trail or step out into your neighborhood—get outside and breathe.
View our event calendar to see what programs Jodi 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