Educator Spotlight: Heidi Pruess

Heidi Pruess just completed the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification. Heidi credits the program with helping her start an “encore” or post-retirement career. Heidi owns Outdoor Experiences, LLC and hosts guided walks and hikes in urban and suburban settings throughout Mecklenburg County.

In addition to her work with Outdoor Experiences, Heidi is a trip coordinator for the North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors University. She is also an appointed Park and Recreation Commissioner for Mecklenburg County.

When asked about her favorite part of earning her certification, Heidi says it was the breadth of experience from both her instructors and fellow classmates. “Learning by exposure and then trial and error, as these courses are organized, really imprinted the lessons and accelerated my understanding so much farther than a traditional classroom training. Those going through this certification process are such a brilliant group of educators!”

Heidi says the conversation during the certification about the Tbilisi principles was an experience in the program that stood out for her. “The Methods of EE and the ethics portion around the Tbilisi Declaration was such a refreshing reminder of why we do what we do as environmental educators.”

For her partnership project, Heidi worked with the Girl Scouts at the Dale Earnhardt Environmental Leadership Campus developing outdoor activities specific to their site. “Having received a Duke Energy grant, the Girl Scout facility was well stocked with sampling and discovery supplies. I utilized the resources available in the Environmental Leadership Campus to develop experiences that explored the outdoors with data gathering and nature exploring activities for camp counselors and campers themselves. Each Girl Scout troop that visits the Environmental Leadership Campus at this camp will have these activities available to them.”

Heidi says the program led to change in her approach to teaching by providing her with environmental training and curriculum. “I did not previously have exposure to educating all age groups and now, through both the suite of trainings and the environmental education program in general, I have both learning experiences and the tools to practice EE for pre-K through adult audiences.”

When asked if the program changed the way she viewed environmental issues, Heidi says, “Environmental issues have always been a part of my life, as a Certified Environmental Professional for more than 26 years and now as an encore EE non-formal educator. The EE certification program has provided me with a broader perspective for addressing the intersection of environmental issues and the human experience.”