Oakley Biesanz develops interpretive nature programs, coordinates community volunteers, and is an active member of the Minnesota Naturalist Association. She is a driving force behind community garden programs, focusing on multicultural and multi-age educational initiatives.
Naturalist
Maplewood Nature Center, City of Maplewood
M.Ed., Science Education
Helping others get excited about nature, getting to know the community, and helping implement nature-protection projects that spiral into enthusiastic voluntary community action!
Gardening and daydreaming about gardens. Reading to my son.
Bill Holden was a veteran teacher I taught under for high school biology student teaching. He was wise, thoughtful, and dedicated. Over ten years later, I still think of the countless small and big concepts he taught me that semester. Bill gave me many strategies for never, ever giving up on a student- no matter the attitude you are getting!
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed is a touching and funny read about a tough lady with little previous wilderness experience, who rose to the challenge of the long hike and discovered beauty and healing as she went.
I love to dance: African, Salsa, Haitian, Merengue, Hip-hop, Ballroom, Zumba. Whatever dance you've got, I'll try it and have fun doing it!
It shaped who I am as an educator. Many outstanding instructors including Mark Minger and Leslie Flynn guided our cohort through the program. These instructors provided multiple perspectives, teaching demonstrations, technology solutions, and lots of hands-on activities that I continue to use today in my educational programs.