My interests focus on the interaction between the natural and cultural worlds. I have a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science from Siena College and a number of graduate GIS and Urban Planning courses completed at the University at Albany. While attending Siena College, and for many years after, I was a National Parks Volunteer at the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, NY studying and censusing explosive breeding frogs and toads. Through my urban planning courses and career at an engineering search engine I wrote a 16 part series on the history of the electric streetcar for the CR4 Engineering blog site, mainly focusing on Capital Region trolley companies.

Over the last 10 years though, I have been advocating more so for the environment. In particular, those that fly instead of hop! I have been president of two chapters of the National Audubon Society, the Audubon Society of the Capital Region and Southern Adirondack Audubon Society, and am past Chair of Audubon New York’s Council of 27 state chapters, earning a Meritorious Service Award from the National Audubon Society for my efforts. Outside of the birding world, I am an aspiring Adirondack 46er with 16 peaks under my belt and an avid traveler. My last couple trips took me to Costa Rica and Ecuador to explore and learn about neo-tropical bird species. I also continue to have a penchant for Erie Canal history and human migrations across the United States. This interest has led me to become the Vice President of the Friends of the Mohawk Towpath Byway, a member of the National Scenic Byway Foundation. I’m thrilled to be putting all my past and present experience to use promoting the one thing I love the most – the Albany Pine Bush Preserve!