I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from the University of Albany and have more than 20 years of experience in for-profit, non-profit and government accounting. Growing up in the country in a big family, I developed a great love for sports and the outdoors. I enjoy golfing, skiing, kayaking and everything on the water, especially winning the fishing pool with my family in Maine every year. Well I don’t win every year, but beating my brothers is fun! I have conquered the biggest zip line in North America with my daughter and can’t wait to skydive! I love adventure, fun, children and animals.

I hold a Master’s degree in Geography, with a Graduate Certificate in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis from the University at Albany. Additionally, I have a BS in Geography from SUNY Oneonta, am a certified all-position structural steel welder and is a NOLS Alumni. I previously worked as a seasonal Fire Management and Stewardship Technician for the Commission. Prior to that I worked as a GIS Specialist for Orbis, Inc., in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a Junior Planner for the Syracuse (NY) Metropolitan Transportation Council and as a Graduate Assistant GIS Analyst for the NYSDEC’s Bureau of Lands and Forests. I'm a native of Cuylerville, NY where I attended York Central School.

I hold a B.S. degree in Environmental and Forest Biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, M.S. degrees in Biology and Experimental Statistics from New Mexico State University, and a Ph.D. degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Maine. For my Master’s research, I examined the potential for plant hybrid zones to act as centers of bird and reptile diversity and for my Ph.D. research, I examined the long-term numerical and spatial responses of birds to a group-selection timber harvest. Upon completion of my Ph.D., I taught undergraduate and graduate courses in wildlife ecology, statistics, and population ecology while serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Eastern Kentucky University. I returned to SUNY ESF as a postdoctoral research associate for which I evaluated the population size and habitat use of an endangered snail and its competitive interactions with a non-native snail and investigated the suitability of willow biomass crops as habitat for birds and small mammals. I continued my postdoctoral work at the University of Arizona where I examined the demography and population viability of the desert tortoise. I am currently the Conservation Biologist at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. In addition to my work at the preserve, I teach courses in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Ecology and Management at SUNY Albany.

To learn more about Steve’s research and teaching visit his website: spcampbell.weebly.com
 

I am an American Red Cross certified Adult/child/infant CPR/AED/First Aid and Wilderness First Aid Instructor. I am a 15 year member of the NYSOEA (New York State Outdoor Educator Association) and also worked on the committee of several of their annual conferences. I am a 10 year member of the NAI (National Association of Interpretation) and NAAEE (North American Association of Environmental Education) and attend their annual conferences.

With a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry, I began my conservation career with the Pine Bush in 1995 as a Conservation Science Technician and Prescribed Fire Crew Member. I later moved into the Administrative and Outreach department where I headed up the Volunteer program to match volunteers up with ongoing education, conservation, and research projects in the preserve. I also spent more than ten years as the president of the Wildlife Institute of Eastern NY, a non-profit that brings live wildlife and natural science based education together in a classroom like setting.

I’m a graduate of Paul Smith’s College where I earned an AAS in Ecology and Environmental Technology, and Plattsburgh State University, where I received a B.A. in Environmental Science and Ecology and later a M.A. studying the breeding season bird ecology of the fire-dependent jack pine sandstone pavement barrens of Clinton County, and environmental education. I’m a member of the Capital-Mohawk Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management Steering Committee and chair of the CAP-MO PRISM Conservation Committee. I’m a member of the North East Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies - Young Forest Communication Strategy Team, and a member of the NY State Wildlife Action Plan Advisory Committee, North Atlantic Fire Science Exchange Advisory Committee, and State and Federal recovery teams for the endangered Karner blue butterfly.  During my 23-years with the Commission I have been a volunteer, and employed as a seasonal conservation technician, seasonal prescribe fire crewmember, Preserve Ecologist and Conservation Director. I live in White Creek, NY where me and my family raise Jacob sheep in the Taconic foothills and where I serve as Planning Board Chairman and a President of the local Board of Education.

I have been with the Commission since the spring of 2008. I graduated from Earlham College with a BA in Biology and SUNY-Empire State College with a Masters in Buisness Administration and additional Non-profit management certificate. I have  worked on many important research and education projects across the country including Spotted owl research, Palila restoration project, Mad Science, Raptor Inventory Nesting Survey, Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center and most recently as the Education Program Assistant for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission.
 

As the Discovery Center Manager, Blake is responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of the Discovery Center and grounds, Visitor Services team and exhibits.  She is currently working on a few exciting projects including the following:

• Pine Bush Perspectives: A juried photo exhibit
• In partnership with Cornell University, development of an exhibit evaluation tool.
• Exhbit design
• Grounds visioning
• Lupine Festival Committee member
• Website Committee member
• Multiple building infrastructure projects 

My degrees include a BA in Environmental Science and MA in Natural Resources from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.  I’m educated and trained as a plant ecologist.  My graduate work took place at the Altona Flat Rock, a jack pine sandstone pavement barrens in northeastern New York near the Canadian border.  Like the pine barrens here, these jack pine barrens are both globally rare and fire-dependent.  The result of my graduate studies was a stand structure chronosequence of four even-aged stands of jack pine resulting from four separate wildfires.  The document also incorporated a fire management plan for a portion of the jack pine barrens.

Having been a prescribed burn volunteer in the spring of 1992, I began my work at the Pine Bush in 1993 as seasonal employee for the prescribed burn program, and later as a seasonal ecologist.  I became permanent in 1994 as the Fire Ecologist and progressed through a number of positions as the Preserve Ecologist, Director of Research and Management, Conservation Director and Deputy Director.  I was hired as the Executive Director in 2000.

Prior to becoming Executive Director, much of my focus was on prescribed fire in the Pine Bush and abroad.  In 1994, I was the youngest prescribed fire burn boss certified by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) nationwide.  I served several years as the prescribed Fire Manager for TNC in New York and was a training instructor for prescribed burning with TNC for the National Guard in a number of southern states.
While not necessary for my current role, a scientific background serves me well.  At times I miss the science, the stewardship and other field work that was part of my early years, but I truly enjoy the work with the people.  Our staff.  The individuals and groups.  The public and private leaders.

When I began in 1993, there were roughly 1,700 acres of protected land, a few hundred Karner blue butterflies, no managed trail system and no Discovery Center.  Prescribed burning, habitat management and restoration were in their infancy.  We had no education program, website, email or GIS maps.  Staff included two permanent and three seasonals.

I graduated from college in 1986 with bachelor’s degree in biology and the sciences.  After college I worked in New Jersey as an environmental educator near the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for five years before moving to Albany and joining the Pine Bush team in 1994.  Since then I have served first as the Pine Bush Preserve Steward and then as the Stewardship Director. I enjoy the diversity of the job and the opportunity to protect and manage this special place for Preserve visitors to come and enjoy in the Albany area. Ruth and I have two daughters.

I was hooked on plants early in my childhood when I learned that there were wild plants growing out in my backyard that I could eat! I quickly learned to identify the edible species, and my lifelong interest blossomed from there. The natural world has always been fascinating to me, with endless paths of inquiry to explore; the more you know, the more there is to know! I studied Natural Resources at Cornell University where I focused on applied ecology, but also took classes ranging from lasers and nanotechnology to fabric science and metal fabrication. I graduated summa cum laude in 2005, and after a six week tour of the country with my (now) wife, began my career doing seasonal botanical work in northern New York. We had a year-and-a-half long adventure in Florida, where I worked as a botanist in the Florida Everglades, before ending up in Albany where I accepted a position with the APBPC in 2008. I love my job and especially the diversity of experiences that it offers. I live outside of Troy, NY with my wife Debbie, twins, Maren and Lucy, and a fluctuating flock of chickens.

Photo left: Hand pollinating rare orchids in the Florida Everglades

I joined the Education Team at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in September 2020, eager to develop my environmental interpretation skills. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY where I experienced the interaction of natural and built environments while exploring Prospect Park. I graduated from Vassar College in 2019 with a BA in Earth Science, completing my undergraduate thesis research on the ancient soils of the Mojave Desert. I’m fascinated by the many ways in which local geology influences ecosystem structure and function, from landscape features to soil types. I have experience leading inquiry-based ecology education programs for middle and high school aged learners, and I love when students ask challenging questions about their natural surroundings. In my free time, you can find me drawing in my sketchbook, re-organizing my extensive rock collection, or trying to identify fungi! 

My interests focus on the interaction between the natural and cultural worlds. I have a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science from Siena College and a number of graduate GIS and Urban Planning courses completed at the University at Albany. While attending Siena College, and for many years after, I was a National Parks Volunteer at the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, NY studying and censusing explosive breeding frogs and toads. Through my urban planning courses and career at an engineering search engine I wrote a 16 part series on the history of the electric streetcar for the CR4 Engineering blog site, mainly focusing on Capital Region trolley companies.

Over the last 10 years though, I have been advocating more so for the environment. In particular, those that fly instead of hop! I have been president of two chapters of the National Audubon Society, the Audubon Society of the Capital Region and Southern Adirondack Audubon Society, and am presently the Chair of Audubon New York’s Council of 27 state chapters, earning a Meritorious Service Award from the National Audubon Society for my efforts. Outside of the birding world, I am an aspiring Adirondack 46er with 16 peaks under my belt and an avid traveler. My last couple trips took me to Costa Rica and Ecuador to explore and learn about neo-tropical bird species. I also continue to have a penchant for Erie Canal history and human migrations across the United States. This interest has led me to become the Vice President of the Friends of the Mohawk Towpath Byway, a member of the National Scenic Byway Foundation. I’m thrilled to be putting all my past and present experience to use promoting the one thing I love the most – the Albany Pine Bush Preserve!

I am a lifelong nature lover and enjoy finding creative solutions to support plants and animals. I have my bachelor’s degree in biology with a passion for entomology. I worked in parasite diagnostics before realizing I craved being more hands on than being behind a microscope allowed me to be. From there I leaned into environmental education. Pollinators became my passion, which led to a deep appreciation for botany and the complex relationships between plants and animals. I’m also an internationally published nature photographer specializing in telling the stories of different pollinator species.

Roses are red, daisies are yellow I was living life at home, writing books & staying mellow.  Alas, funds were low and ambition was high which led to a temp job and helped the days pass by.  The Pine Bush was the first place I went; a full-time placement was heaven sent.  Over 20 years of office and supervisory experience, I bring with excellent training in customer service it is truly, what I call my most important thing.  It does not take much to go out of my way to make someone else feel special and have them enjoy their day.  I learned so much of my skills being raised by two great parents from the “Greatest Generation” they are known and then working at Walt Disney World who continued me on my way in doing good deeds and sewing kind seeds, which should always be sewn.  We each go out in life to make our mark and bring our ideas out of the dark.  Therefore, when I grow up my dream is to be a published writer of children’s books for the entire world to see.  A registered trademark I have and call my own; a world famous writer I hope to one day be known.  I love to sing songs and make up funny poems about things I see happening like working my first Lupine Fest and my daughter and I meeting our first gnome.  I want to say thank you and I am so grateful you stopped by to read more about me.  If perhaps I brought a smile to your face then my job here is done; I will get back to doing what I do best, processing work for the Pine Bush and just being me which is really quite fun.

I am a Certified Wildlife Biologist, with a M.Ed. in Environmental Education from Bard Center for Environmental Policy and a B.T. in Wildlife Management from SUNY Cobleskill. My tools to enhance educational opportunities for everyone include place-based and inquiry-based teaching, curriculum development, and educational approaches that are mindful of access and inclusion for all.

My master’s thesis explored how the design and implementation of a collaborative citizen science project focused on preventing and reducing nutrient pollution in lakes impacted community participants.

I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Hudson Center for Community and Environment,  and an active member of the New York State Outdoor Education Association where I Co-Chair of the Equity, Access, and Inclusion committee and Co-Chaired the 2022 Annual Conference.  I am also an active member of many other professional associations including the Citizen Science Association, the New York State and National Chapters of The Wildlife Society, and the National Association of Wetland Managers. 

Growing up with a love of wildlife & the outdoors, I have always wanted to pursue a career that helps to benefit the environment. I graduated in 2016 with a degree in environmental science, undecided on what sector of work to pursue. In 2017, I began working the front desk at the Discovery Center as a Visitor Services Associate. I saw just how important connecting people to the outdoors is, and found a passion for doing so! Having conversations with countless members of the public and working with a handful of volunteers has been a pleasure, and now doing so full-time is both a joy and honor.

Before working at the Pine Bush Discovery Center, I spent almost 36 years working for the New York State Department of Labor. During that time I was a board member and parent representative at the Wee Care at Labor daycare center, I was also a volunteer EMT, and currently work as a poll inspector.  

Growing up in farm country in northern central New York, I have always been an outdoors girl, catching salamanders, collecting cicada skins, raising monarchs from caterpillars, identifying trees with my dad, and listening to bird songs with my mom. My love of nature carried over into my career earning me a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Natural History and Interpretation from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. After spending a summer studying dragonflies and damselflies with my professor, Dr. Barb Hager, I decided to pursue a graduate degree studying insects. Working with Dr. Hager, I earned a Master’s of Science degree in Entomology studying native solitary bees and wasps. Today, I put both of my degrees to work conducting field science and engaging the public in science through Community Science programs and our Science Lecture Series. I am proud to have published my work at the preserve on the Frosted elfin butterfly, dragonflies and bees and I look forward to continuing to learn what the natural world of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve has to teach.

I grew up in the pine barrens, salt marshes and beaches of eastern Long Island.  My family was active in scouting and went camping and canoeing together. I learned my love of nature from them.  I came to SUNY Albany in the 70s and often bicycled through the pine bush.  It felt like home.   I worked in banking and retail while raising my family.   Did graduate work at Russell Sage.  I was a computer teacher for about 25 years and ran many STEM clubs.  I’ve always enjoyed learning new things and was thrilled at the opportunity to come work at the Discovery Center.  I am now a Certified Interpretive Guide and a member of the National Association for Interpretation and the Museum Store Association.  I enjoy hiking, and love exploring the many hiking trails in parks, preserves, and other public lands in this region.  I am a beginner birder but look forward to every opportunity to expand my birding experience.