I am committed to improving the quality of life for earthy creatures - mostly trees and people! But those in turn are foundational species to help all life flourish and be their best. I'm also committed to having fun! I took up tap dance a few months ago and joined my class for a recital last week. Not perfect but held my own lol!

Currently, I'm the project manager and facilitator for a new conservation and outdoor recreation partnership in southwest Colorado. This summer I'll be receiving training on the nursery aspect of the "reforestation pipeline," helping private and public landowners reforest their lands after catastrophic disturbances (such as massive wildfires.)

I spent 10 years off and on hitchhiking and backpacking through about 45 countries. I'd travel in one area of the world until I couldn't absorb any more, return to the US to some resort town where I could be work in the food and bev industry to save money and start all over again. I've lived in 15 states in the US and Colorado is currently my home.

Short list of work I've done in the past 6 years (you'll note a theme of the outdoors!): Education Specialist for the National Park Service; Wilderness Ranger and Trail Maintenance Crew member for US Forest Service; Sustainability Coordinator for a Tanzania tour company; Outdoor Adventure Educator for a Virginia county Parks and Rec; professional independent photographer and environmental filmmaker; whitewater kayak instructor and a professional sponsored rep for a small SUP (standup paddle board) company.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

1) Locals rule! I can't imagine traveling to an unknown land and staying in a hotel where it's the same old, same old. I love being immersed in a whole new world, and getting to know locals is the ticket. The earth is visually stunning and her people are intriguing as all get out.

2) When I lived in Richmond, VA I was able to be a host. RVA is an amazing place and I knew the many wonderful natural world spots to share. I've enjoyed being a surfer and I wanted to help others enjoy the same opportunities.

Interests

Trees are a big interest! But can't seem to add it to the list above.

• hiking
• rivers
• nature
• sustainability
• dance
• biking
• outdoors
• trees
• hiking in the mountains
• standuppaddleboarding

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of my films inspired a long-term city resident to overcome her fear of the water and take a kayak trip. She fell in love with the James River and now goes out annually if not more often. She has become a loud proud steward for clean water.

Teach, Learn, Share

I share sustainable lifestyle actions on SM posts. I know a thing or two about pick-up sticks. I love learning about native plants, especially visiting unique trees. Learning the history of local traditions is high on the list. Perhaps the most esoteric thing I can share is cool facts about manufactured ice - that's what publishing a book will do for you!

What I Can Share with Hosts

"3 easy tips for better photos" and then 3 more and 3 more and 3 more. Or I can explain how trees depend on partnerships not competition to create a sustainable world. For the history buffs, I know just about everything there is to know about how we as humans learned to create cold for the first time. Then there is the beauty of Mardi Gras and why I started an annual parade far north of New Orleans, the Caribbean, and Rio.

Countries I’ve Visited

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Canada, China, Cuba, Denmark, Dominica, England, Finland, France, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin (French part), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, United States