Dick Jordan is a professional biologist, creature teacher, outdoor enthusiast, and an unapologetic TREEhugger. In 2015, he retired after 35 years teaching AP Biology & AP Environmental Science to focus on LifeOutdoors, his innovative program which began with TREE in 1990, Outside Day in 2009, and Finding Dragons which he co-founded with Ethan Tolman. Dick has won many awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching, Siemens Advanced Placement Teacher Award, and Defenders of Wildlife’s Environmental Hero Award. He has taken his students on over 300 field trips, including dozens of multi-day whitewater rafting trips on the Salmon River and 15 extended TREE expeditions to Belize & Ecuador to study rainforests & scuba dive on coral reefs. Dick loves whitewater rafting (having guided for over 45 years), hiking, biking, camping, nature photography, writing, and exploring wild places with his family, friends & students of all ages.

Ethan received his PhD through The City University of New York and Richard Gilder Graduate School at the American Museum of Natural History’s Partner Program. His research interests include: resolving the evolutionary history of dragonflies & damselflies (odonates), (specifically the genomic evolution of basal anisoptera and the genomic features of ancient lineages) and the distribution of odonates throughout urban aquatic & riparian environments. Ethan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in “Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology” from Brigham Young University.

Kristin Gnojewski is a Community Volunteer Specialist with Boise Parks and Recreation. She taught middle and high school science for fifteen years prior to transitioning out of the classroom and into parks. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography from University of Oregon and Master’s Degrees in Earth Science and Educational Leadership from Boise State University. In her free time, Kristin enjoys connecting with nature through hiking, gardening, observing insects, birding, and more. She has developed a particular fondness for dragonflies over the last few years. Kristin is passionate about engaging people of all ages in studying, exploring, and caring for the natural world around them.

Chris Taylor has a Doctorate in Education, an EDS Superintendency and an MA in Educational Administration. Currently he is the principal at Riverside Elementary School in Boise Idaho. Prior to that he was the Science, Social Studies and Sustainability Supervisor for the Boise School District. Chris serves as a board member of Idaho Environmental Education Association (IdEEA), Discovery Center of Idaho (DCI), National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), Idaho Science Teachers Association (ISTA), Idaho Climate Literacy Education Engagement and Research (iCLEER). Chris contributes to Life Outdoors by supporting and helping involve K-12 students and educators in the mission to engage, explore, and be actively involved in the outdoors.

Manpreet is an Evolutionary Biologist and an Entomologist at the City University of New York and the American Museum of Natural History. Her research focuses on insect evolution. She is particularly interested in evolution of insect communities in the Arctic habitats with a special focus on dragonflies and damselflies. Her research helps understand how insects in Arctic habitats have been influenced by the glaciation cycles of the past and how climate change will affect them in the future.

Chris is an evolutionary ecologist who works with aquatic insects, mainly dragonflies and damselflies. His love of freshwater systems started as a child playing in the creeks and rivers of southern Illinois and the Missouri Ozarks. Chris has published approximately 40 research articles and several book chapters, and is an editor of the 2 nd edition of Dragonflies and Damselflies: Model Organisms for Ecological and Evolutionary Research with Oxford University Press. Throughout his career Chris has worked on science outreach through a number of programs such as Salmon Corps, Let’s Talk Science, Skype a Scientist and Nerd Nite in addition to instructing undergraduate courses on ecology, evolution and animal behavior. He lives in California with his wife Katie (a fellow naturalist and long-time collaborator) and their son Thomas, who likes insects very much, but is really into plants.

Working with Life Outdoors is an opportunity for Chris to share his passion for the natural world with others.

Cindy Busche is the Environmental Education Manager at the Boise WaterShed Education Center where she develops and teaches programs about climate change awareness, water protection and water conservation. Her team educates more than 25,000 children and adults annually about the value of individual and collective action to combat climate change. She is currently spear-heading exhibit development as the Boise WaterShed transitions into the first climate and water education center in the country. Cindy is the SW Idaho Project WET Coordinator in which she develops and leads teacher professional development courses. She is also the Boise Museum Association president. Her employment with Boise City Public Works began more than fourteen years ago with the Stormwater program, in which she coordinated education programs and occasionally moonlighted as the mascot Eddy Trout.

Cindy got her start in informal education at the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum where she coordinated science education programs. Her passion for the environment and conservation (and warm weather!) led her to the jungle of Los Angeles to coordinate science outreach programs at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. She’s thrilled that her journey brought her to Boise to share her love of the environment with the next generation of Idahoans. She resides in Boise with her husband, sons and chicken army.

Heidi Pluska has been an educator with the Boise School District for 23 years. She has a BS in Chemistry, and MAs in Education and Computer Science. During her tenure with the Boise School District, she has worked both in the IT Department as a consulting teacher and in the classroom, where she has taught Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and AP Computer Science.

As a teacher of Computer Science and the co-founder of Idaho's Computer Science in K12 Initiative, she has been intimately involved in the advocacy and implementation of computer science in underserved communities throughout the state of Idaho and the development of applications that support education.

Heidi contributes to Life Outdoors by supporting the development of technologies to inform K-12 students, educators, and stakeholders of Life Outdoor’s efforts to educate and involve the greater community to ensure the sustainability of a healthy outdoors for everyone.

Eizaak’s career and education have focused on building fund development strategies that connect people to natural spaces. Being raised in rural Idaho, he spent most of his childhood exploring the rugged landscapes of Central Idaho, which instilled a deep connection with the diverse flora and fauna of the American West. Eizaak’s life outside put him on an academic and career path aimed at protecting our ecosystems and rekindling people’s connection with the natural world. He brings to this position a wide range of fund development skills to help propel LifeOutdoors’ mission and programming forward.

Eizaak received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Idaho State University. Since then, he has worked with various organizations that protect and conserve nature across the American West. His work has also centered around helping address historic barriers communities face in accessing green spaces through an environmental justice lens. Eizaak is thrilled to support LifeOutdoors as a grant writer because the organization shares his passion for environmental education, advocacy, and hands-on programming.

In his free time, Eizaak enjoys reading, hiking, camping, and discovering new music. Contact him if you have questions related to partnerships or funding.

Lindsay has been in Idaho since the 2nd grade. She had the tremendous pleasure of having Mr. Jordan as an AP Bio teacher, TREE Club leader, and Ecuador/Galapagos school field trip guide extraordinaire!. After graduating from Willamette University with a degree in economics, Lindsay moved to London for a year before returning to Boise in 2012. Since then she has worked for the Alzheimer’s Association and as a community outreach specialist for a solar company before starting her current job selling temperature monitoring technology and equipment into the healthcare industry. She enjoys gardening, rafting, hiking, Pilates, and tennis and will be attempting her second spring triathlon later this summer!

Sneha is following the pre-medical track under the Eugene McDermott Scholarship at the University of Texas at Dallas. She was President of TREE in the 2021-2022 academic year and spearheaded the Boise River Biodiversity Project, led local climate rallies, was a high school mentor for the Boise Online School Virtual Sustainability Club, and worked on Finding Dragons Research. She was also a student leader in the Idaho Climate Justice League and pushed for the Boise School District to pass the Collective Commitment on Clean Energy in November 2021. In April 2023, her team placed first in UTD’s JSOM Sustainability Business Case Competition. Currently, she is a student research assistant in the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab of Memory and Language under Dr. John Hart. Sneha hopes to work in public health as a physician and work with children in the future, encouraging them to preserve the world's natural beauty. In her free time, Sneha loves to read, do her own gel nails, or play the piano.

Ella is a first-year student at the University of Montana, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Political Science. Passionate for conservation, she aims to influence policy by working with lawmakers to promote the protection of keystone species. With a focus on fostering collaborative solutions, she intends to continue working with all sides of the wolf discussion and outreach for non-lethal population control. 

As a collaborator with Finding Dragon's scientific article and featured in the documentary Children of the Wolves, she is committed to working in diverse environments and different species.  She is also establishing the Montana chapter of Life Outdoors, a program designed to engage college students in science education and environmental advocacy.

As 2024 Timberline High School graduate and former, co-president of TREE Club 2024 she was awarded the YMCA Civic Engagement Scholarship. Currently serving as a University of Montana Advocate, she is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive campus environment. With aspirations to lead a conservation-focused nonprofit and continue working in Washington D.C. through public speaking, her vision is shaped by a passion for scientific research, public policy, and environmental stewardship.

Sneha is following the pre-medical track under the Eugene McDermott Scholarship at the University of Texas at Dallas. She was President of TREE in the 2021-2022 academic year and spearheaded the Boise River Biodiversity Project, led local climate rallies, was a high school mentor for the Boise Online School Virtual Sustainability Club, and worked on Finding Dragons Research. She was also a student leader in the Idaho Climate Justice League and pushed for the Boise School District to pass the Collective Commitment on Clean Energy in November 2021. In April 2023, her team placed first in UTD’s JSOM Sustainability Business Case Competition. Currently, she is a student research assistant in the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab of Memory and Language under Dr. John Hart. Sneha hopes to work in public health as a physician and work with children in the future, encouraging them to preserve the world's natural beauty. In her free time, Sneha loves to read, do her own gel nails, or play the piano.

Ella is a first-year student at the University of Montana, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Political Science. Passionate for conservation, she aims to influence policy by working with lawmakers to promote the protection of keystone species. With a focus on fostering collaborative solutions, she intends to continue working with all sides of the wolf discussion and outreach for non-lethal population control. 

As a collaborator with Finding Dragon's scientific article and featured in the documentary Children of the Wolves, she is committed to working in diverse environments and different species.  She is also establishing the Montana chapter of Life Outdoors, a program designed to engage college students in science education and environmental advocacy.

As 2024 Timberline High School graduate and former, co-president of TREE Club 2024 she was awarded the YMCA Civic Engagement Scholarship. Currently serving as a University of Montana Advocate, she is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive campus environment. With aspirations to lead a conservation-focused nonprofit and continue working in Washington D.C. through public speaking, her vision is shaped by a passion for scientific research, public policy, and environmental stewardship.

Ben is a senior at Timberline High School, where he serves as Vice President of the Tree Club, fostering environmental awareness and sustainability. Alongside his academic and extracurricular pursuits, Ben is an intern at Life Outdoors, contributing to cutting-edge dragonfly genomic research. His primary area of scientific knowledge lies in physics and biophysics, where he has taken three years of in depth physics and calculus classes throughout high school.  A skilled cellist and pianist, Ben has a deep passion for music, performing with precision and expression. He is also an accomplished athlete, competing in both basketball and track. With a well-rounded portfolio of interests and achievements, Ben hopes to pursue a career in medical research. 

Maleah is currently a senior at Timberline High School and an active member of TREE Club, where she participates in dragonfly research and community outreach projects. After graduation, she plans to study environmental science and pursue a career advocating for sustainability and conservation. Alongside her dedication to environmental causes, Maleah is a competitive swimmer and a talented violinist. She enjoys a well-rounded life, balancing academics, sports, and her love for the arts. In her free time, Maleah likes to hike the foothills with her dog and listen to music. Driven by her passion for protecting the planet, she hopes to make a meaningful impact on environmental issues in the future.

Ethan is a senior at Timberline High School and is actively involved in Life Outdoors to gain biological research experience and pursue his passion for biology and science. Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, Ethan enjoys mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, and spending time outdoors in his free time. He is also a dedicated varsity athlete in both track and cross country at Timberline. After high school, Ethan plans to attend college to major in biology and later pursue medical school. Researching species like dragonflies has provided him with opportunities to learn about Boise’s biodiversity and the vital role these species play in ecosystems. Through Life Outdoors and TREE Club, Ethan is eager to continue researching, sharing discoveries, and educating the community about environmental conservation to help protect the earth.

Towako a senior at Timberline High School, is dedicated to environmental sustainability and cultural exchange. As a member of the Life Outdoors Research Team and TREE Club, she leads conservation efforts, including genome research on several aquatic insects, reusable bag initiatives, and teaching sustainability to local elementary students, inspiring others to protect the natural world. Through the Idaho Japanese Association, Towako fosters connections between Japanese and American communities, organizing events that enrich Boise’s cultural landscape. Motivated by a commitment to sustainability and a desire to help others, she aims to become a physician who integrates cultural acceptance and eco-friendly practices, contributing to a future where compassion and conservation efforts are intertwined. In her free time, Towako enjoys community service, camping with family, and playing the piano.

Michel was a part of TREE leadership from 2021-2023, leading Timberline High School's wolf advocacy movement. He testified at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, USFWS, USDA, and IDFG on the issues of Idaho's Space-to-Event Model used for estimating its wolf population. Michel was also quoted in many national articles for his advocacy and worked as the International Wildlife Coexistence Network's first intern. Now, Michel is a computer science student at Princeton University researching computer vision.

Isabella is currently a second year Masters student at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands. She grew up in Boise, Idaho surrounded by the outdoors whether it was in the mountains, kayaking on the river, or working in her family’s modest vineyard. In high school, while attending Alzar she created EmpowerOut, a program aiming to empower Idaho youth who are new to America through the outdoors. She attended the College of Idaho where she earned degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies. She worked as an Outdoor Trip Leader in the College of Idaho Outdoor Program, earning the Integrity, Leadership, and Service Award as well as the Environmental Leadership Initiative Award due to her continued work in the College of Idaho community. After graduating with her bachelor’s, Isabella decided to take on the opportunity of moving abroad to deepen her knowledge in environmental sciences at Wageningen University and Research. At Wageningen, Isabella has had the opportunity to learn to incorporate her social and scientific backgrounds through working with interdisciplinary teams on projects such as the PATHS project in Prague and later consulting the city of Nijmegen for a climate-resistant future. Her current thesis research involves looking into climate-resilient policies and implementations in Utrecht. Aside from her time spent in academics, Isabella likes to read, write poetry, go hiking, spend a day fly fishing, and explore new landscapes.

Bella is a sophomore at Cornell University. She is double majoring in History and Environment and Sustainability, with a focus and senior honors thesis concerning the intersection of religious studies and entomology. Bella was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and returns to live with her family each summer and enjoy the beautiful outdoor features that Idaho offers. Bella has participated in Boise City’s dragonfly monitoring program and enjoys observing insects in their natural habitats. In her downtime, Bella enjoys crocheting and knitting, and she also works as a referee for collegiate flag football when she is away at school.

Mikołaj (Mikos) is a freshman at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff AZ studying Environment & Sustainability with a dual major in Spanish. He was a Nordic skiing instructor at Bogus Basin, ID, and now teaches Alpine skiing at The Arizona Snowbowl where he speaks Spanish to Hispanic populations who are just beginning to enter this outdoor sport. Along with teaching skiing, he has been on two trips to Ecuador; once as a student volunteer with a Californian high school reforesting the Chone/Manabí region of Ecuador and building community projects out of sustainably planted bamboo and other reclaimed materials. On the second expedition, he led his Idahoan high school down to participate in the same program. He has also journeyed to Perú to engage in watershed restoration in the highlands of the Andes near Cuzco for the Quechuan people. He has a passion for running, swimming, teaching, speaking Spanish and Polish, writing poetry, paddleboarding and simply being outside.

Mira is a senior at Timberline High School, and has been an active member of TREE club for almost three years. She is passionate about sustainability, biodiversity, and educating youth about the environment, and is planning to pursue a career in environmental engineering. With her degree, she hopes to be able to design sustainable systems for the future, especially related to water management and environmental remediation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside, being with friends, and thrifting.