Meet the Naturalists / programmers.
Your guides to outside.
Ashlee Schmitt
Events & Programming Supervisor
GCP&T 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
GCP&T is lucky enough to say that Mel has been a crucial part of the naturalist program for over 20 years! Not only does she execute multiple educational programs in our parks, she also leads the Maple Sugaring program and is the art director for Pumpkin Glow. You will see her participating in our larger community events year long.
Mel loves hiking with her dogs, camping, kayaking, and has a soft spot for creepy crawly critters. She also loves Hallowe’en, Edgar Allan Poe and just about anything spooky. She enjoys sharing her love of nature and vast knowledge with others. Her favorite question is “Hey Mel! What’s this?” For the future Mel hopes that the next generations will continue the efforts in protecting natural areas and find value in enjoying the outdoors.
Nova Hoos
Naturalist / Programmer
After starting as an Intermittent Naturalist for summer camps in May 2024, Nova decided GCP&T was a great place to work and became a full-time naturalist. Fond of rivers, creeks, and geology, Nova enjoys outdoor programs in any weather.
Working toward a degree in Natural Resource Education, Nova has worked in education for the past 18 years, most recently as a homeschooling parent facilitating a weekly nature co-op. Nova also became an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist in 2024.
Nova spends her free time with her four kids, three rescue dogs, and husband on their small hobby farm raising quail and rabbits. On sunny days, you can usually find Nova floating down the Little Miami or turning rocks in a creek looking for salamanders. On colder days Nova is usually reading books or perusing their extensive rock collection they have accrued as a lifelong rock hound.
