The Education Program Department

To set up a program

for your school or group,

call (419) 661-1697 ext 200

Brochure

From Swamp to Settlement School Programming Info

Naturalist Program Coordinator:

Debbie Nofzinger (419) 661-1697 ext 200

dnofzinger@wcparks.org

Senior Naturalist:

Pam Menchaca (419) 661-1697 ext 206

pmenchaca@wcparks.org

Part-time Naturalist:

Renell Simrau (419) 661-1697 ext 201

rsimrau@wcparks.org

PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

The goal of the Program Department is to support the preservation, protection, and enhancement of Wood County's natural resources through interpretation and education with hands-on, non-consumptive activities, events and programs.

NATURALISTS are often field biologists, but the general term describes students of or experts in natural history, especially botany or zoology. 

The Wood County Park District Naturalists provide most of the nature education and Black Swamp natural and cultural programs offered by the Park District for the public, schools, homeschooled groups, scouts and community organizations. What they offer may be supplemented by other staff members from the Stewardship Department or the Ranger Department.

Besides being scientists and educators, in many small park organizations, Naturalists may be in charge of event planning and some of the marketing for the whole organization. They may design posters and brochures. Naturalists need to be versatile and therefore have skills not only in the natural sciences, which is usually where they have their college degrees, but be able to organize events and write and design as well.

All Naturalist-led programs require reservations.

Please... when scheduling a program, give the Naturalists as much notice as possible (from several months to three weeks) so they can accommodate your group, especially during the school year.

Senior Naturalist Pam Menchaca (L) with Program Coordinator Debbie Nofzinger (R)

Brochure (pdf)