A Leap of Faith

The founding of Ecoterra Environmental Education was a leap of faith and labor of love. Love for the planet we live on and the animals and plants we share it with. I have been excited and curious about the planet for my whole life and I am excited to finally bring my passion to the community.

There were so many signs growing up that my path would eventually lead me here; wading in creeks, walking in the woods, looking for frogs, poking at moss. All of these small outdoor activities helped build a strong foundation of love and respect for my environment. As I got older, I found myself excited to see a great blue heron in my neighborhood or spending an hour watching a snapping turtle dig her nest and lay her eggs.

However, this curiosity and excitement didn't just come from anywhere. It was fostered by my family who took time to encourage my interests. My cousin took me wading in the creek and pointed out all the birds along the way, my dad took me with him when he went out hunting in the fall and always pointed out all the ways the forest wakes up as the sun rises, and my mom who always pointed out the small details in nature and never missed spotting a four leaf clover. These small moments of encouragement from my family added up to bigger things over time. I started studying environmental science at college and graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and Biology. I took internships working with animals and educating the public about them and eventually ended up working at an AZA accredited zoo for many years as an educator.

After a decade long journey working with animals, I stepped away to be closer to home and spend more time with my family. Being closer to home and spending more time with my son has helped me again see the importance of getting outside, exploring, and creating those moments of magic.

By founding Ecoterra Environmental Education, I hope to provide to same moments of curiosity and excitement to my own local community. Thanks for joining me on this adventure, I hope you are curious and brave today!

Adventure on,

Marisa