Meet Your Naturalist

My name is Elle, and I am a freelance naturalist located in Washtenaw County, Michigan. I'm driven by a passion to continually deepen my understanding of the natural world and to foster community through shared experiences in nature. I do this by engaging with people of all ages through diverse and dynamic nature programming. I bring nature education to life in many ways—whether leading hands-on outdoor learning as an environmental specialist with Ann Arbor Public Schools, guiding scout groups and public programs as a certified interpretive guide and former park naturalist, or drawing on my Master Herpetologist training in my work as a vernal pool volunteer coordinator with the Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol. One of the highlights of my year is co-leading a weekend nature camp for women, a tradition I share with a dear friend and fellow naturalist. 

My particular interests lie with amphibians and reptiles, though I’m equally fascinated by dragonflies and the rich diversity of life that thrives in our local ecosystems. To me, nature is a proven sanctuary—one that mends the body and calms the spirit. This principle is the foundation of the mindfulness hikes and workshops I co-lead with a certified mediation instructor. 

I was born in the mountains of northern California but spent most of my childhood exploring the woods and fields of rural West Michigan, where I was raised. Throughout my life, I’ve lived all over the country—from San Diego, to Atlanta, GA, to the greater Washington DC area—and experiencing each landscape and climate has deepened my appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the natural world. Wherever I go, my intense, intuitive connection to nature remains constant. It’s not just my work; it’s the core of who I am.