Pamela Price
National Capital Contracting
On April 16, 2024, Maeve Sheehan interviewed Pamela Price for the NOAA Oral History Archive. Pamela Price, an environmental educator, grew up in Buffalo, New York, and currently resides in the Hudson Valley, New York. Her passion for nature was fostered by her parents, who frequently took her camping and encouraged her interest in birds and environmental science. She holds a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology and a master's degree in education with a focus on environmental education. The interview delves into Price's journey into environmental education, starting with her volunteer work in the Hudson Valley. She credits mentors like Fran Martino, Vanessa Bear, and Jennifer Shirk for guiding her through various educational opportunities and projects. Price's first paid position was as the Education Program Coordinator at the Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District, where she engaged with the community to address local environmental issues and educate residents on topics such as harmful algal blooms and air quality. Price discusses her approach to teaching, emphasizing hands-on learning and community science. She highlights the importance of making environmental education accessible and relevant to different audiences, from preschoolers to adults. One memorable experience she shares is helping a previously silent preschool girl engage with nature during a discovery hike, illustrating the profound impact of connecting individuals with the natural world. Currently, Price works as a naturalist and educator at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, a rare inland scrub oak-pine barrens ecosystem. She educates the public about the preserve's unique habitat, the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly, and the importance of habitat management practices like prescribed burns. Price also describes her role in supervising volunteer naturalists, conducting educational programs, and fostering community involvement in conservation efforts. Throughout the interview, Price reflects on the challenges and rewards of environmental education, the evolving methods of outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing public interest in outdoor activities and environmental stewardship.
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