Artemis Eyster is a life-long birder and experienced educator. She is excited to be returning to lead this course after leading a successful workshop in 2019.
While growing up in Southeast Michigan, Artemis spent several hours each day learning about the natural world through nature journaling and attending interpretive hikes with local naturalists. Artemis deepened her understanding of the natural world while studying Geosciences at Princeton University. These academic and outdoor experiences set the foundation for her to teach others about local flora, fauna and ecosystems, and also instilled a keen understanding of natural phenomenon and how to communicate scientific concepts.
Relying on her science background, Artemis nurtures the connection between people and nature through experiential education programs. Her experiences include working at an environmental high school in Wisconsin, serving as an AmeriCorps member with a non-profit in Colorado, and guiding for a wilderness therapy company in Colorado and Utah. Artemis comes to this course with five years of experience as an educator, facilitator, and backcountry guide. In each setting, Artemis prioritizes helping participants develop an understanding of the natural world through direct experience. Artemis supports participants through creating and maintaining a positive learning environment where people feel welcomed and supported. Currently, Artemis volunteers as a walk leader with the Urban Bird Collective, leads bird programs for the Minneapolis Parks Department, and works as a Primary Outdoor Leader with Wilderness Inquiry. Artemis also volunteers her time to contribute to citizen science efforts and has participated in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology project feederwatch, Ann Arbor breeding bird surveys, and fifteen Christmas Bird Counts across five states. When Artemis is not outside, she creates art, plays fiddle music, and provides spiritual care as a chaplain intern.
In this course, Artemis combines her knowledge of birds, experience as an educator, and skills as a group facilitator to help you have a successful learning experience. Artemis is honored to lead this workshop in the spirit and memory of Bruce Lombardo, whom she assisted in running this workshop in 2015 before his passing.
Teri Gilligan is a lifelong nature enthusiast and she enjoys participating in group learning activities. Teri is a lifelong bird enthusiast and an excellent teacher who is eager to share her skills with all birders of experience levels. Teri has assisted on previous birds by song courses and has shared volunteers her expertise to facilitate many events at the Arc of Appalachia. Teri’s overbrimming optimism, enthusiasm for life, and genuine love for people make her presence at every event unforgettable.