- Trail Name: Turtle
- Hometown: Arlington, Massachusetts
- Occupation: Outdoor Educator, Herpetologist, Avid traveler
- Education: University of Arkansas, University of Delaware,
- Certs: First Aid/CPR, TEFL
- Favorite Food: Figs
Hello friends! I am Turtle and I hail from just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I have lived all over California (and the world for that matter)- Santa Cruz, Barstow, El Centro, and currently Tahoe City. Many of my moves were related to chasing reptiles, hence the name. I have studied desert tortoises (our state reptile!), horned lizards, western chicken turtles, and alligator snapping turtles to name a few. I recently got back from a 16 month trip around the world, most of which was in New Zealand. I love exploring and sharing the outdoors, its culture, and its people with anyone in my company, young or old.
As soon as I arrived back in Tahoe I jumped right back into teaching and have already taught in the redwoods, Sierra Nevada, and the Oregon high desert. Apart from loving to spend as much time as possible in nature, I camp in the wilderness for the whole experience. I love entertaining around a campfire, singing songs and acting silly. Most of all, I believe experiences that happen outside can have a longer lasting impact on a person in a positive way, especially when it leads to someone finds their “nature story.”
My favorite activities include rock climbing, eating and growing organically, being outside, discussing and playing games with friends, and traveling. I love to share positive energy with any good soul who crosses my path.