Meet Our Favorite Local Nature Nerds and Photographers
Alonso Abugattas
Renowned naturalist, educator, and storyteller, Alonso tells the story of the DC-area natural world through walks, blogs, and the popular Capital Naturalist Facebook community. (Capital Nature Advisor)
Jorge Bogantes Montero
Wildlife biologist and Anacostia River naturalist, Jorge leads Anacostia Watershed Society’s restoration efforts and introduces DC area residents to wildlife of the Anacostia River. Ask Jorge about mussels!
Melanie Choukas-Bradley
Treasured author, forest therapy guide and mentor, Melanie wrote the first book on Washington DC’s trees, and seven books on nature and forest bathing since then. She leads naturalist walks in the Badlands, for the Aspen Institute, and in Washington DC! (Capital Nature Advisor)
Matt Felperin
NOVA Parks’ “roving naturalist” is also a gifted photographer, guide and naturalist extraordinaire. Matt can teach you how to kayak, identify birds, and capture the perfect lighting for a sunrise photograph.
Natalie Howe
Our favorite local lichenologist, Natalie is an agriculturist for the USDA. Having a passion for engaging people with nature, she has taught courses in ecology, biology, mycology, and botany as a professor at George Mason University.
Serenella Linares
Gifted bilingual naturalist and mycologist, Serenella is Director of the Mount Rainier Nature Center and a riveting guide and environmental educator. Along with other offerings for adults, she co-hosts monthly iNaturalist ID Nights with Capital Nature and The Nature Conservancy.
Damien Ossi
Wildlife biologist with the DOEE, Damien can introduce you to the habitats, plants, and wildlife of the District like no one else. A gifted carver, he creates beautiful spoons from local wood.
Dan Rauch
DC’s “bird man” and wildlife biologist with the DOEE, Dan rivets reporters, ambassadors, and regular folk with his field observations and photographs of DC’s amazing birds.
Barbara Joan Saffir
Award-winning wildlife photographer, certified Virginia Master Naturalist, and author of Walking Washington, DC, Barbara leads nature, fitness, and photography hikes around the Mid-Atlantic.
Krista Schlyer
Award-winning author and photographer, Krista has introduced thousands of people to the dignity and beauty of the Anacostia River and its “wild neighbors.” Krista is the creator of the River of Resilience StoryMap and author of the book River of Redemption.
Katja Schultz
With over 10,500 iNaturalist observations of more than 2,000 wild species in the DC metro area, you will most likely find Katja photographing critters in Rock Creek Park and other woodsy locations.
April Thompson
A DC Master Naturalist, Master Gardener and writer, April is the Culinary Chair of the Mycological Association of Washington, DC. You can find her leading urban foraging walks and tune in to her posts featuring local flora and fungi in tasty meals.
When we need help identifying plants, insects, herps, and mammals, Kerry is our go-to gal. An awesome environmental educator and naturalist, Kerry works for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies by day and coordinates the Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC).