Change, Resilience, and Nature in the New Year

Pause, Purpose, Possibility

My kids grew up loving the "Magic School Bus" books and animated PBS series. I had great help as a parent from the teacher in those stories, Ms. Frizzle, who was always reminding the kids (including my own): "Take chances! Make mistakes! Get messy!" Michaela Rice, our guest today, has much the same attitude when it comes to experiencing and learning from the natural world. In this conversation, she speaks with great honesty about the healing power of change and resilience in nature, in her own journey through depression and burnout, and her boundless gratitude for nature in the face of climate doom.

Michaela (she/they) is a Minnesota State Parks and Trails Interpretive Naturalist and was previously a research biologist for the state. Michaela has her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College, and a Master of Science in Wildlife and Rangeland Management from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. As you'll hear, she is very excited about all things nature. The curiosities, wonderment, serenity, and complexity of natural processes caused her to pursue a career science. Now, she gets to share those precious moments with visitors to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse state parks on the North Shore of Lake Superior. A highlight of her days is in connecting people -- especially children -- to the world around them through wellbeing practices, art, observing wildlife, and experiences like berry picking in the summer. Michaela has a passion for helping injured animals and volunteers with the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. Michaela strives to be an ally in her community by speaking up and speaking out against daily prejudices and creating a sense of belonging for others.