Our Nature Discovery Guides

Steve Boetger (#4)

USDA Agronomist.  Steve has an Associate of Science degree in Agriculture from Fort Lewis College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy from Colorado State University.  In 1988 he started his work with the Soil Conservation Service / Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida as a Soil Conservationist for 5 years in the Palatka Field Office and the Bonifay Field Office, a District Conservationist for 8 years in the Ocala Field Office and his present position as State Agronomist for 8 years in the Gainesville State Office.

Ron Broman (#6)

…And his wife Betty are member s of the Florida Native Plant Society, Marion Big Scrub Chapter, members of the Marion Audubon Society and the proud owner s of National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat #1320.  Ron became interested in Native plants while living for 40 years in South Florida, and has since gone on to start the Native Plant Group at On Top of The World.  Ron characterizes himself as a retired guy who likes to play in the dirt.

Peter Colverson (#2)

Peter holds an MA in Environmental Interpretation and Resource Geography from Oregon State University and a BS in Zoology and Botany from the University of London, England.  He was born and raised in England but has lived in the U.S. for 30 years, with experience in six states.   Peter is a communications specialist with 25 years of experience in education, training, interpretation, and facilitation. Peter's communications expertise is complimented by a sound working knowledge of natural resource management issues, including watersheds, water quality, listed species, and sustainable forestry techniques.

Sandra Marraffino (#3)

Sandra is a member of the Marion and Citrus County Audubon Society.  She teaches birding classes and leads bird walks at the Rainbow River State Park and gives talks on “Feathers, Flowers & Friendly Critters throughout the community.

Bob Riedeman (#8)

Holds a Masters Degree in Botany from the University of New Hampshire.  Bob and his wife Patricia moved to Ocala from Maine 5 years ago and are members of the Native Plant Club at On Top of The World.  Bob has always been interested in native plants and has observed them where ever he has happened to be.

Susan Woods (#1)

Floridan Aquifer Defense Organization.   Susan Woods graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts.  She is the President of the Floridan Aquifer Defense Organization and has appeared before Governor Charlie Christ and his Cabinet to argue for sensible land development and the preservation of our quality of life in Marion County.  Susan is the 2009 recipient of the UF Law Public Interest Environmental Conference's "Unsung Hero" award.   Susan has completed the National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward Certification Program and is permitted to certify Nation Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitats.  She is also the proud owner  of her own National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat.

Betty Young (#7)

Certified Arborist and Garden Club Member and Consulting Arborist.   A Florida plant specialist and Certified Arborist, Betty has experience in both commercial nursery and community beautification projects.  While working as Horticulturalist and Arborist for the city of Ocala FL, Betty was the Co-chairman of the Ocala Pride and Bloom committee that won the America in Bloom Champions in 2006.

Marnie Hutcheson (#5)

Arborist, and Historian of Shady Grove Preserve Marnie holds a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado.  A globetrotting computer geek, she has devoted most of her personal time over the past 18 years to learning all she can from and about Shady Grove Preserve.

 

Phone: 352-207-6520

E-mail: MLH@ShadyGrovePreserve.com

Natural Systems Citizen Education Program

Nature Discovery Field Trips

At Shady Grove Preserve, Ocala FL

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