LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS NATURALIST DEPARTMENT
The Lorain County Metro Parks Naturalist staff is an experienced one ranging from experts in local habitats, wildlife, wildflowers, animals and so much more!
Meet the Naturalists
KEELY BIRSIC
Naturalist 2
Park Location: Various park locations
With L.C.M.P. since: 2023
Background & Expertise:
Keely has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Westminster College (PA) and a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a specialization in Wildlife Forensics and Conservation from the University of Florida.
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
Growing up, I spent most of my time outside in nature. My parents took us on countless camping trips where we were introduced to so many different environments and got a chance to see wildlife you couldn’t find in a city or suburb. This helped to grow my fascination and interest in our natural world, specifically the wildlife within it. This career allows me to share my interests with others and inspire them to step out in nature and help protect it for the future.
MARY EWERS JOYNER
Avian Program Curator
Park Location: Carlisle Reservation, LaGrange
With L.C.M.P. since: 2007
Background & Expertise:
Mary has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Masters’ Degree in Environmental Interpretation from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Her career to date has spanned nearly 20 years, three states, three nature centers, and two zoos before finally settling back in Lorain and working for L.C.M.P. since 2007. Mary is a Certified Professional Avian Trainer, knowledge-assessed, accredited through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board. Mary also serves as the Enrichment Committee Chair for the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE).
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
I chose this career path because of my fascination with nature and wildlife. I also find it interesting how people relate to the natural world. What drives me is to show how nature and wildlife are relevant and important to everyone. Aside from that, my biggest passion is working in the Raptor Center. It is an ever present and welcome opportunity to learn and grow.
AIMEE HARRELL
Senior Naturalist/Park Manager
Park Locations: Miller Nature Preserve, Avon
With L.C.M.P. since: 1999
Background & Expertise:
At the time Aimee was hired by L.C.M.P., she was a Hocking College grad looking for an outdoor Natural Resources job and continuing her education. A temporary position turned into full-time, and within a few years, she earned her Bachelor of Sciences degree in Biology from Cleveland State and continued to gain experience as a Naturalist. The brief period she spent working in PR broadened her understanding of the administrative side of things, while a return to the Naturalist Department and later Park Management have allowed her to continue to expand her knowledge and abilities to serve the park district, its guests, and the habitats we strive to protect.
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
I have always spent as much time as I could outdoors rather than in, appreciating nature and learning how the natural world works. Indoors, I stay busy fixing or making things, playing music, and creating art. My career with L.C.M.P. has encouraged me to tap into the things I enjoy and allowed me countless opportunities to share them with others.
RACHEL KALIZEWSKI
Naturalist 2
Park Location: Vermilion River Reservation
With L.C.M.P. since: 2015
Background & Expertise:
Rachel graduated from The University of Toledo with a Bachelor’s in Recreation & Leisure Studies. Before graduating, she had an internship opportunity where she discovered what a naturalist job was all about and became determined to become one. She worked for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as well as Cleveland Metroparks before she started at Lorain County Metro Parks. Her expertise is native wildflower identification.
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
I chose this career path because nature has always been a part of my life. I credit my Dad for taking our family to parks on a regular basis and fostering my love and appreciation for the outdoors. Because of this, I prefer to spend my free time outside learning about nature and what it has to offer. Some of my hobbies include hiking, tent camping, nature photography & sketching, kayaking, biking, and running. I also enjoy cooking/baking and playing the drums.
MATT KOCSIS
Senior Naturalist
Park Location: Schoepfle Garden, Wakeman and Vermilion River Reservation
With L.C.M.P. since: 2001
Background & Expertise:
Ohio Northern University B.A. History and Political Science
Bowling Green State University Masters studies in History and Museum Studies
Baldwin Wallace College – Teacher Certification 7-12 Social Studies
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
As a child my family often used the Metro Parks and I remember coming to programs and the Naturalists who led them. My interest in local history led to seasonal work with L.C.M.P. after my undergraduate studies and in some ways I never left. One of the best parts of my job is sharing the amazing history and stories that exist in people’s own backyards.
KATE MAHER
Senior Naturalist
Park Location: French Creek Reservation, Sheffield Village
With L.C.M.P. since: 2024
Background & Expertise:
Kate received her Bachelor's degree in Biological Anthropology from the University of Kansas, and earned her Master of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction for Science Education from the University of Washington, after completing a graduate residency in Environmental & Outdoor Education at IslandWood.
An internship with the National Parks Service on Alcatraz Island after college turned into a career in which Kate has worked as a naturalist and science educator for the NPS at Muir Woods, The California Academy of Sciences, The University of Washington Botanic Gardens, and The City of Bellevue Parks Department. She then started and managed her own company called Explore Outdoors for 8 years in Seattle, in which she was a naturalist on-demand for schools, families, clubs, and community groups.
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
I grew up on 30 acres of tallgrass prairie, forest, and ponds in Northeast Kansas, and spent my childhood playing and exploring outside. I love helping others make connections to nature, appreciate the natural world, and protect native habitats. I especially enjoy working with young children and families and showing them how to safely have fun outdoors. In my free time, I like to hike, kayak, and sell vintage clothing, and some of my favorite subjects are paleoanthropology, herpetology and mycology.
DEREK RUFFNER
Naturalist 2
Park Location: Carlisle Reservation, LaGrange
With L.C.M.P. since: 2022
Background & Expertise:
Derek graduated from Kent State University in 2018 with a BS in Educational Studies and has been working in the field of environmental education ever since. Prior to his arrival at Lorain County Metro Parks Derek worked as an educator at a number of other facilities including, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center, the Kansas City Zoo, and the Cleveland Metroparks. He strives to combine his love for the environment with his passion for teaching and learning and considers himself a lifelong learner.
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
Growing up I idolized people like Steve Irwin, Jack Hannah, and Jeff Corwin. I watched them on T.V. as they traveled the world showcasing the incredible planet that we all share. They captured my imagination and fostered in me a passion for the environment. Now as a Naturalist for the Lorain County Metro Parks, I strive to inspire others by showing them the beauty that we have in our very own backyards.
CHRIS STANTON
Senior Naturalist
Park Location: Carlisle Reservation, LaGrange
With L.C.M.P. since: 2023
Background & Expertise:
Chris worked as a naturalist in the Cincinnati area before pursuing a career in higher education. He taught Biology at Baldwin Wallace University and the University of Mount Union for 21 years, which includes serving as the Director of Mount Union’s Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center. He earned a Bachelor’s in English from Wittenberg University, a Masters degree in Entomology at the University of Tennessee, and a Ph.D. in Entomology from The Ohio State University.
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
I love to read natural history written by naturalists and poets who have spent real time outdoors (like Edwin Way Teale, Bernd Heinrich, Barry Lopez, and Mary Oliver) and to conduct my own field research projects with students, but I am especially passionate about relaying natural history information to others—and what better job could there be other than a full-time naturalist with an excellent park system?
BEV WALBORN
Outdoor Experiences Manager
Park Location: French Creek Reservation, Sheffield Village
With L.C.M.P. since: 2019
Background & Expertise:
Bev earned her Associates of Applied Science degree in Recreation and Wildlife from Hocking College and her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Butler University. She previously worked at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and most recently at Cleveland Metroparks where her concentration was with the Nature Preschool program. Her areas of expertise include bird identification as well as engaging preschoolers in nature through exploration and nature play.
Passion/Hobbies – why did you choose this career path?
I have always had a passion for sharing nature with others. It is so important that we help everyone learn more about nature which then allows them to have an appreciation for our natural world. This appreciation will encourage conservation and preservation of natural resources and a love for nature. In my spare time I love to be out birding, especially at Lake Erie in the winter and Magee Marsh in the spring.