Naturalist Training Center
John Foster
|
|
New
England Naturalist Training Center John Foster |
|
It seemed to me that I should supply a bit of a biography about
myself and update my photo; I'm older now!! I apologize in advance, for being so
self-centered, generally I let nature do all the talking and I just do the
interpreting. I feel it is very important to differentiate my unique style of
environmental education
from the many other usual styles.
I have, over many years, established myself as a leading naturalist (environment
educator). I have conducted wildlife research for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
and the Mass. Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Also, I've
trained staff for Americorps, Mass. Department of Environmental Management,
Project Learning Tree, National Park, Audubon, etc. I have written natural
history articles for the likes of Yankee, Wild Earth and Backpacker. I am a
Commonwealth Award nominee for excellence and leadership as a naturalist; the
state's highest awards for a variety of Humanities. I conduct my own commercial
(for fee) naturalist programs throughout New England. Well know organization
like the Appalachian Mountain Club, Trustees of the Reservations, Highland
Community Initiative, Harvard Natural History Museum, Boston Science Museum, New
England Wildflower Society and Audubon have hired me to lead programs for their membership.
I have had articles written about my work from Hartford to Portland and have
appeared several times on TV; Boston Ch. 5, "Chronicle". I am very
familiar with New England's flora and fauna, having reported information on
species populations, ranging from terrestrial to aquatic, and plant to animal
for the region's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Programs (NHES).
Occasionally, I sponsor luminaries of Natural History. I lead a team that brought Dr. Lynn Rogers, an expert on black bears, on a tour of New England. And helped Jon Young , a tracking expert, come and present at Amherst College.
My unique, ecology focused, hands-on programs have been crafted from many years
of extensive training, field experience, deep knowledge and a captivating
persona. Each and every program has extensive research behind it and often many
miles of field proofing and ground truthing (boots in the woods).
I design programs that are far from run of the mill. My unique presentations
rely on my extensive knowledge of nature and infectious enthusiasm. The central
message in all my programs is a "Macro view of the Micro aspects of
Nature." This view, the big picture made up of small pieces, allows the
participant to understand much more of the whole aspect of nature, creating a
foundation of knowledge and understanding. In short, I teach Ecology. C. Darwin
said "Nothing exists for itself alone." This type of instruction
strengthens the participants understanding and comprehension. It's not just a
Moose or a Hookers Orchid, but an indication of a complete relationship with the
existing environment. Whether I am teaching you how to track and read animal
signs, studying trees/plants, or knee deep in a swamp; I will use this
"whole bag" focus. My participants, armed with this focus, enter
nature study uniquely equipped to observe, understand and enjoy.
Within the letters of thanks I receive are descriptive words like informative,
superb, excellent teacher, impressed, completely new light, fortunate and
surprised. These words of praise inspire me to continue to raise my own
professional standards and level of educational efforts.