New Program Coordinator at River Bend Nature Center

River Bend Nature Center is excited to introduce their new program coordinator Sarah Shimek to the community. Sarah began work at River Bend in mid-May and is already busy learning about the nature center and planning for the summer camps she will be leading beginning in June. Sarah has her undergraduate degree in Animal Ecology – Wildlife Management from Iowa State University and just completed her Master of Education degree in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.

     Sarah brings a variety of environmental education and conservation experience to her new position. Her education experiences include time spent as a naturalist for Minneapolis Parks & Recreation; interning at the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, MN; and, serving for two years as a volunteer teacher for the Partners in Education program through the Great Lakes Aquarium, Minnesota Sea Grant, and the University of MN – Duluth. Her conservation experience includes working for the US Fish & Wildlife Service as a biological technician and as a wildland firefighter and three years working at the Water Resources Center at Minnesota State University, Mankato assisting land owners to improve local water quality. River Bend’s executive director Barbara Caldwell says of Ms. Shimek, "We are very excited about Sarah joining our team and we look forward to working with her. Sarah wrote her Master's thesis on technology in nature programming, and I can't wait to see how she will integrate those ideas into her programs.”

     Sarah’s responsibilities at River Bend will include public programming, coordinating and leading school programs for grades 3-12, and providing outreach to constituents new to River Bend. Asked what excites her most about working at River Bend Nature Center, Sarah says: “I am excited to be at River Bend because of its strong roots in the local community, the supportive and talented staff, and the awesome potential. I think River Bend is on the verge of some really fun and innovative things and I am excited to be a part of that!” Sarah’s interests include many outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and snowshoeing. She also enjoys movies, live music, and reading books and says that she “loves animals of all shapes and sizes from snakes and sturgeon to penguins and wolves”. Sarah, who currently lives in New Prague, MN, plans a move to Faribault in the near future.

     River Bend is a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization located on 743 acres of natural habitat in Faribault, MN. River Bend’s mission is “to help people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world that surrounds us.” The nature center is member-supported and receives no regular funding from any municipal or other government agency. River Bend members receive discounted Summer Camp registration, free public programs, and free admission to events. Become a River Bend member online or by phone. River Bend Nature Center is located on the east side of Faribault off Highway 60. Follow the brown nature center signs. For more information, please visit www.rbnc.org or call 507.332.7151.