NWDC Appoints Outdoor Explorations Coordinator - Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center

(August 22, 2022) – The Nature & Wildlife Discovery (NWDC) is pleased to announce that Elise Lokey has been hired as the new Outdoor Explorations Coordinator. In this role, Elise will coordinate our Outdoor Explorations Program (OEP) in partnership with the Alpine International Preparatory Academy. The Outdoor Explorations Program is a tuition-free program designed to supplement homechool curriculum with natural science, experiential learning, community-building, and self-discovery.

Elise Lokey received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University Pueblo, where she studied Wildlife and Natural Resources with an aquatic emphasis. As a college student and research intern at CSU Pueblo, she gained knowledge and experience in field research, wildlife handling, conservation, ecology, and public speaking. She has presented research on topics relating to severe weather due to climate change and its effect on prairie songbirds at three symposiums. After presenting her research to a large group of curious kids, Elise fell in love with the idea of inspiring young minds.

Before joining the team at NWDC, Elise worked as a seasonal naturalist at Lake Pueblo State Park. There, she gained experience and practical training in program development, community outreach, environmental education, volunteer coordination, archery instruction, and developing meaningful partnerships.

Elise strives to make a difference in the world by sharing her experiences with others in stewardship, outdoor recreation, and wildlife. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her dogs, kayak, hike, shoot archery, and travel.

About NWDC

The Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit environmental education and raptor rehabilitation center located in the City and County of Pueblo, Colorado. NWDC was founded in 2018 through the merging of two veteran organizations who bring 50 combined years of high-quality nature programming to the Pueblo community. NWDC now manages these two unique locations to better serve our community, engaging over 20,000 participants annually.

Media Contact

Jennifer de Groot
NWDC Sales & Marketing Director
Email: salesandmarketing@hikeandlearn.org
Phone: (719) 485-4444
www.hikeandlearn.org

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September 3, 2024September 3, 2024

Autumn Waylan (She/Her/Hers) came on board in the summer of 2024 with at least 10 years of experience in wildlife handling and a background in vet clinic operations, animal handling, public education, community outreach, and specifically, raptor programs!

sunset over a prairie shortgrass ecosystem

Staff Appointments

NWDC Appoints Zane Groom as Maintenance & Facilities Manager

February 14, 2024May 6, 2024

NWDC would like to recognize Zane Groom, who has transitioned into the role of Maintenance & Facilities Manager as of February 13th.

Staff Appointments

NWDC Appoints Executive Director

March 16, 2022January 17, 2024

The Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center’s (NWDC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Taylor Driver has been hired as NWDC’s Executive Director.