KAEE Member Feature: David Logsdon

Valuing Community Connections to Nature in Eastern Kentucky

This month we feature a brand new member and environmental educator from the eastern part of our state, David Logsdon. David is a volunteer environmental educator and naturalist with Pathfinders of Perry County, a nonprofit that believes that all people in our community deserve to comfortably access, learn from, enjoy, and benefit from a robust outdoor recreation system. Check out the Pathfinders of Perry County website and social, and keep reading to get to know more about this energetic naturalist who is keen on connecting his community with the natural world.

KAEE: Can you tell us a little more about your work in the field of EE and what particularly inspires you?

David: I have spent most of my life outdoors as a Boy Scout youth member, adult leader, educator, and self-described nature nerd. During my time outdoors I have acquired a diverse knowledge of the natural world. That knowledge, paired with training I've received through the UK Master Naturalist program and completion of the NAI Certified Interpretive Guide course has provided me tools necessary to communicate my passion for nature to the citizens of our county and region.

KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field?

David: Currently, I'm designing an interpretive program utilizing existing trails in Perry County Park. The program will be a self-guided hike highlighting natural history features of our region while also informing guests of the historical and planned future land use by residents of Perry County. This project is one that I'm particularly invested in, as I feel that the people of our region are in a position to form a new identity as it relates to their connection to our land.

Perry County, like most of the counties in our region, is investing in a future economy that relies heavily on adventure tourism and outdoor recreation. I believe that by teaching about the natural history of our area in the context of the intimate relationship that our residents have always shared with the land, current residents will see the value of future plans for our land and the need for responsible implementation of those plans.

Pathfinders of Perry County is working to increase our presence in local schools. We are building relationships with educators to position ourselves as a valuable asset and resource to them in the classroom. We also believe that by investing in students, we are ensuring that this generation will be better equipped to make environmentally sound decisions for their community and the world.

KAEE: What is an area you feel you could use support in from this network of fellow educators?

David: I'm extremely excited to be involved with KAEE and its members. I look forward to learning from other members' experiences implementing EE programs in partnership with schools and aligning those programs with state core curriculum standards.

KAEE: What is something you feel could be beneficial to share with this network?

David: Although I still have much to learn about the field of EE, I bring an abundance of energy and passion to the table. Additionally, I offer experience gained through more than two decades spent serving youth in several capacities.

KAEE: Share a fun fact or random tidbit about yourself with the group!

David: Like most people involved in EE and natural history, I have an ever-expanding library of field guides and reference books. But, I have amassed an even more impressive collection of cookbooks. I currently own nearly 300 books highlighting cuisine from all over the world. Some of the ones in my collection are more than a century old.

Preferred pronouns: He/Him

KAEE Member Feature: Terry Wilson

This month we are so pleased to feature a seasoned member and co-founder of KAEE, Terry Wilson. Terry is a dedicated supporter and advocate for environmental learning in the commonwealth and beyond. We were lucky to chat with him recently to learn a little more about his past and present involvement in the field of EE.

KAEE: What is your current and/or past role in the field of EE?

Terry:I was one of the co-founders of KAEE back in 1975, and I have been a member for 47 years. I have served on the board of directors and am a past president. Since my retirement I am now a professor emeritus in environmental education at Western Kentucky University. In the past several years I have been working with the KAEE Board on the creation and growth of the KAEE Legacy Fund.

I also have been a member of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) since 1975. I served two terms on NAAEE’s Board of Directors and was the NAAEE President in 2004. I was the 2006 recipient of NAAEE’s Walter Jeske Award, the highest honor given in the field of EE. My career as an active environmental educator began in 1970 and spanned 47 years. I retired from WKU in 2017 as Director and Professor in the Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability. I am still engaged in EE through consulting, writing, and providing training for a variety of organizations and agencies.

KAEE: What projects or programs are you working on that particularly inspire you?

Terry: The KAEE Legacy Fund initiative shows great progress in providing an outlet for extending KAEE’s vision into the future. To me, it's a way for people to give back to KAEE, by establishing mechanisms that can highlight the accomplishments of KAEE’s members, while aiding new and prospective members.

I also applaud the partnership between KAEE and the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC), which has resulted in numerous joint initiatives, such as the administration of the Professional Environmental Education Certification (PEEC) program.

KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field?

Terry: As a “long-timer” in the field of EE, I have seen our profession grow from focusing on nature study, to conservation education, outdoor education, and educating about environmental challenges.

We have grown into a wonderful process that emphasizes educating “in, about, and for the environment.” As the field continues to evolve, we must become more inclusive, embracing the involvement of more groups and individuals who may not felt included in our earlier efforts. We must continue to connect our work to the challenges of educating for a sustainable future. At the same time, we must not forget the need to help people feel more connected to the natural world around them and appreciate those inseparable interconnections.

KAEE: What is an area you feel you could use support in from this network of fellow educators? Terry: As we grow as a field, we must remember to become increasingly inclusive. Everyone can benefit in understanding our environment, including both natural and cultural systems. We may not always agree on how to protect and manage those systems, so we must constantly reach out to build more bridges to include various perspectives on issues. At the same time, I would urge us to remember that our goals include increasing environmental awareness and appreciation, building a strong knowledge base, assessing and clarifying attitudes and values, developing problem solving and decision-making skills, and working for responsible action. In other words, build new bridges, while strengthening, but not burning, the old ones. KAEE: What is something you feel could be beneficial to share with this network? Terry: Remember that KAEE was the first state or provincial association to become an affiliate of NAAEE.

As a rural state with a small population, KAEE has continued to maintain many leadership roles in NAAEE and the field of EE, both nationally and internationally.

Let’s be proud of those accomplishments and continue to be one of the leading EE associations in North America.

KAEE: Share a fun fact or random tidbit about yourself with the group!

Terry: My first job in EE was to direct an outdoor education program for the school district in Ohio where I first taught. That job started on April 1, 1970, which was three weeks before the very first Earth Day, April 22, 1970. Can you say, “older than dirt?”

KAEE Member Feature: Kaitlynn Gootee and Ian Reis

Kentucky State University’s Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC) is a little-known gem that was founded in 2007 to protect and enhance KSU’s 308 acres of restored forest habitat and to educate and inspire both students and the public. It aims to build strong community interest in the study of state natural lands and hosts a variety of citizen science projects, guided hikes, and many other programs for learners of all ages. EERC facilities include an accessible pavilion with picnic tables, an outdoor classroom, a 1.6-acre pond, Six Mile Creek access, and Kentucky’s only Braille Trail.

We recently caught up with two of the EERC staff environmental educators, Kaitlynn Gootee and Ian Reis, to learn a bit more about their programs and passions.

KAEE: What is your current role at the EERC (and/or other EE roles you have)?

Kaitlynn: I am an environmental education assistant for the EERC. While I create many of the programs that are hosted at our center, I also lead guided hikes and field trips for our visitors, monitor wildlife at the center, and assist with grounds keeping. I also function as a representative of the EERC when assisting with Kentucky State University’s 4-H program and the Summer Apprenticeship Program.

Ian: I am currently an environmental education assistant. I plan and assist in all environmental education activities on and off campus, as well as maintain the center.I also seek out and implement new programs, tools, and technology we can use to further our impact.

KAEE: What projects or programs are you working on that particularly inspire you?

Kaitlynn: I currently have two favorite programs: the Wildflower Walk series and our Earth Week Program. Our Wildflower Walk series raises awareness about the diversity of wildflowers in our forests and how native pollinators like bees, ants, and butterflies use them. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for members of the community to come out and practice plant identification. The Earth Week program is only held once a year (during the week of Earth Day) and is easily one of our most ambitious projects of the year. Earth Week showcases many different aspects of environmental science, with guest speakers from organizations across Kentucky who speak on subjects like water quality, invasive species, and even backyard conversation in urban areas. It’s always exciting to see everyone come together during Earth Week!

Ian: I’m particularly inspired by our recently completed Braille Trail. I love finding ways to increase the accessibility of outdoor spaces and to reach everyone we possibly can. I’m also excited to be working on a mobile augmented reality sandbox, which will be another tool and exciting piece of technology that we can take out into the community when they are unable to come to us.

KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field?

Kaitlynn: One of my goals for the EERC is to continue our involvement in the community and in schools. Many of our young student visitors mention they have never been on a hike before, and by the end of their visit they are adamant that they want to be biologists! Creating and expanding a safe, immersive learning space like the EERC is something always at the forefront of our minds, allowing members of the community to see our natural lands in ways they may not have before.

Ian: I hope to continue increasing the programs that we offer. Over the past year we have added at least one or two recurring programs each month to our offerings (with more planned for this year), in addition to our regular tours and classroom visits. Increasing community engagement is always a priority. I would also like to continue improvements to our space, such as the in-development self-guided audio tour to draw more visitors and enhance their experience.

KAEE: What is an area you feel you could use support in from this network of fellow educators?

Kaitlynn: The EERC needs help spreading the word about our center! We are always looking for opportunities to help out with community projects, school involvement, or even short visits from those who simply want to get out into the woods. Our center is also always open to collaborating with others on EE projects, and more than willing to act as a space to host field trips!

Ian: I want to stay up to date with what everyone is doing so we can share ideas and events, and hopefully collaborate on some projects.

KAEE: What is something you feel could be beneficial to share with this network?

Kaitlynn: While the EERC is always open to host visitors, we understand that weather, funding, and COVID-19 can make it difficult to come out and see us. The staff here at the EERC are available to travel to schools to deliver EE activities, and we also have a collection of virtual EE material that is available to educators.

Ian: We are always (COVID permitting) ready to host you and/or your group! We’d love to invite you to the EERC and get to know you better. We are also happy to support others as well, so just let us know what you need. We will come to you!

KAEE: If you would, share a fun fact or random tidbit about yourself with the group.

Kaitlynn: A fun fact about me: I like to write fantasy fiction in my free time!

Ian: My love for travelling, live music, and theater has taken me to 31 states and three countries so far.