Meet the Naturalists / programmers.
Your guides to outside.
Ashlee Schmitt
Events & Programming Supervisor
GCPT wouldn’t be the same without Ashlee. She has made an impact in our community for over 13 years. Not only does she lead the fishing derby at Spring Lakes, she is also a canoe and kayaking instructor. You can also find her at running school programs, summer camps and events throughout the year.
Ashlee has no shortage of energy which makes her the go-to girl when it comes to all things outdoors. In her free time, you’d find her doing things she would be doing on the job. Hiking the Indian Mound or Crooked Creek just enjoying time out in nature. Whether its being behind the camera, hiking a new trail or taking a tropical trip to snorkel – Ashlee is always up for a new adventure. Her positivity and love for exploring is infectious.
Her hopes for the future is that others will take the time away from technology and enjoy a little Vitamin N {Vitamin Nature}.
Mel Grosvenor
Naturalist / Programmer
GCPT is lucky enough to say that Mel has been a crucial part of the naturalist program for over 16 years! Not only does she execute multiple school programs in the local community, she also leads the sugar maple program and the annual Pancakes in the Park. You will see her participating in our larger community events year long.
She is adding a new adventure to her repertoire by becoming a local ambassador for Ever Walk with Victoria Price starting in 2020. The walks will highlight some of the 100s of acres in the GCPT system. Including her favorite, Indian Mound Reserve. The beautiful landscape provides views of the Cedar Cliff falls, the gorge and is living history all in one park.
Not only does Mel love nature, she loves all things creepy and crawling. She turns this passion into art when it comes to assisting in our events and finding new ways to incorporate it into fun activities. Especially carving pumpkins for Pumpkin Glow each year. For the future Mel hopes that the next generations will continue the efforts in protecting natural areas and find value in enjoying the outdoors.
Courtney Burdiss
Naturalist / Programmer
Our newest recruit, Courtney, has been honing her skills as a naturalist since she graduated from college four years ago. She has worked extensively with all ages and wants to share the joy of being outside with everyone she can! Some of her favorite animals are reptiles and amphibians, but she is starting to find a soft spot for birds. You can find her running around helping naturalist Mel with all of our favorite programs and probably getting distracted by whatever is moving in the bushes.
Courtney would rather slide down the side of a muddy hill on a rainy day at the Narrows or fall in Massies Creek while trekking through the gorge at Indian Mound than be couped up indoors. As long as she is outside, she is happy. Some of her favorite outdoor activities include hiking, camping, and fishing. During her minimum time indoors, she loves to play board games with her friends and play tuba in the Sinclair Wind Symphony. We are excited to see what she brings to the naturalist team!
