Welcome, new KAEE Member Donna Alexander!
1). Where do you work and what is your current role? My name is Donna Alexander and I work at Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) as the Program Manager. 2). What projects or programs are you working on that particularly inspire you? KNLT is working to protect, connect and restore wildlands, large forest tracts and migratory corridors in Kentucky. Every time I set foot on Pine Mountain or in any of our amazing natural areas in Kentucky, I am inspired! 3). What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field? During the pandemic, I have seen more and more people come to see the huge importance of time in the outdoors to our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. I hope that more people will get out to enjoy KY’s unbelievably rich opportunities for outdoor recreation and will in turn value and move to protect these and other wild and natural areas. 4). What is an area you feel you could use support in from this network of fellow educators? I love to see and learn new ideas for encouraging everyone (but especially children) to get outdoors more and to develop deep connections with natural areas around them. I look forward to learning more from KAEE members. 5). What is something you feel could be beneficial to share with this network? I (and my co-workers) are always happy to share more about the work of Kentucky Natural Lands Trusts and our efforts to preserve wildlands. 6). Share one fun fact or random tidbit about you would you like to share with the group! We currently have one pet in the family – a yorkie mix who was our hiking buddy for years. Due to his advanced age, he no longer hikes with us, but he loves stroller rides around the neighborhood and “anytime” rides around town in the car.