About Us
“In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”
Baba Dioum
Our Mission
‘a Neighborhood Naturalist’ is a project focused on connecting people with the natural world right outside their door. We also strive to show them that the line between the natural and human-made world is a lot less defined than we might think. We hope what we do can help people find little moments of wonder throughout their days and a chance to take a breath in an increasingly fast-moving world. At the end of the day, we all share a pretty amazing, and sometimes amazingly fragile, neighborhood and learning more about it can help us share it a little better with our neighbors of all shapes, sizes, and species.
‘the’ vs. ‘a’
Some folks might wonder why we chose the name ‘a Neighborhood Naturalist’ instead of ‘the Neighborhood Naturalist’. Like all questions, this is a good one.
We believe that everyone has the capacity to be a naturalist because nature surrounds us and, seen or unseen, weaves its way into every aspect of our lives. So, we are just a few of billions of potential naturalists in neighborhoods around the world.
Nature (and people’s curiosity about nature) will go on long after our team’s work ends and it will continue thanks to people like you. We hope that what you see and read from us inspires you to become a Neighborhood Naturalist too!
Our Team
-
Photographer and Writer (he/him)
Evan has always had a deep love for nature and animals, but he first discovered the magic of capturing animal lives through photography on a safari trip at 13.
Though it would be a long time before he picked up a camera again, the intervening years were full of adventures in research and education. These experiences guide the content and tone of ‘a Neighborhood Naturalist’ (unless you don’t like either, then those come from Zissou).
-
Content and Logistics Coordinator (she/her)
In the field, Amanda’s main focus is keeping Zissou occupied and redirecting her energy while Evan blends in with the landscape. Back at home, she helps with logistics and content creation on social media, and scopes out potential birding locations and craft fairs. Amanda also enjoys coming up with innovative ways to educate and engage all the neighborhood naturalists out there.
-
Morale Officer
Filled with an unceasing desire to move “forward”, she keeps the team upbeat and on the move in the field (when she can join). And of course reminds them to take regular snack and water breaks. At home she is a constant reminder to stretch and take a little ‘you time’ on the couch now and again.