In many ways, Nick’s connection with outdoor spaces was born in a kitchen. Once upon a time, he sought to be a professional chef, but the allures of foraging and farming brought him out of the bright lights of the kitchen and into the sunshine. With a new set of aspirations, Nick returned to school earning a B.S. in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education from Michigan State University and an M.S in Agricultural Education from Oregon State University – though his research explored the transformative and transferable aspects of outdoor adventure leadership programs. Nick’s experience as an educator has spanned undergraduate leadership education, secondary sciences, and outdoor education. He has led educational backcountry trips in Michigan, Minnesota, Idaho, Oregon and Chilean Patagonia. When not teaching, Nick is a whitewater canoe enthusiast, hiker, cook, and wannabe birder.