This month we feature an environmental educator and the owner and founder of Wild About Simpson County, Lisa Deavers. Lisa has a passion for increasing participation in local environmental education efforts and has developed some great programs for her community. We had a chance to catch up with her recently.
KAEE: Can you tell us a little more about your work in the field of EE and what particularly inspires you?
Lisa: Whether it’s in your backyard or a local park, Wild About Simpson County encourages folks to learn and discover their “wild side” and aims to raise awareness of the natural resources available within our small community. Wild also provides information on how communities can work to protect these resources for future generations.
As a retired ‘accidental’ park naturalist, I enjoy engaging people in activities such as creek cleanups, happy hour paddles on Drakes Creek, and Earth Day activities. Five years ago, a pair of eagles built a nest two miles from our farm. I’ve been monitoring them and using this as an opportunity to educate our community about eagles as well as the importance of the water quality of Drakes Creek.
KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field?
Lisa: I hope to establish mini day camps that focus on fun environmental activities. A huge goal would be to have a camera on the eagle nest so we could provide a feed to our school students.
KAEE: What is an area you feel you could use support in from this network of fellow educators? Lisa: Resources. Since it's been a few years since I've actively worked in the field, with the public, with KAEE, I’m working to develop those connections for resources for programs to incorporate into programming that would best serve my community. KAEE: What is something you feel could be beneficial to share with this network? Lisa: You are never too old to start something new (or return to doing something you love), and you can always learn something from everyone you encounter. KAEE: Share a fun fact or random tidbit about yourself with the group. Lisa: The Wild About Simpson County logo contains several Kentucky state species except the state bird. I chose the blue jay because my dad always called me “jaybird."