Megan has been a Teaching Naturalist with Upham Woods since Fall 2018; we are so excited she is staying with us through the Spring 2019 season!

Hello, my name is Megan Giefer and I am a school year Teaching Naturalist here at Upham Woods.  I graduated in the Fall of 2017 from UW- Stevens Point with a major in Resource Management: Environmental Education and Interpretation. I was lucky enough to study abroad for the summer field experience: European Seminar where I was able to learn about natural resources and their practices in Poland, Germany, and Iceland. Home for me is in Rochester, Minnesota and this is where I found my passion for the environment. I grew up heavily involved with 4-H in Olmsted County, while also exploring the outdoors with my parents and two sisters all around the United States. One of my favorite places to visit was and still is the north shore on Lake Superior. Traveling to Gooseberry Falls State Park and scavenging for agates alongside the shore are some of my favorite memories. Some of my favorite outdoor hobbies include hiking with my dog (Dexter), camping at various state parks, fishing, and so much more! I want to educate today’s youth about the importance of natural resources, animals, and overall the environment. I’m excited to receive such valuable experience to help me become a great environmental educator, and I think Upham Woods is a great place for this.