Reforestation Pipeline
Greenhouse Nursery
- Reforestation Technician, Northern Arizona University Research Greenhouse, Flagstaff, AZ, 2024. Planting, transplanting, watering, research project assistance
- Worked with regional Tribal members interested in establishing local native greenhouses
- Research project assistance includes sorghum mycorrhizal comparisons, native grass inoculum and cattle experiments, ponderosa pine common garden, Dine' and Hopi wetland restoration projects
Seed Collection
- Hart Prairie Preserve, The Nature Conservancy, Flagstaff, AZ Collected Bebb's willow seeds from 3 watersheds
- Wildflowers, Recorded flowering times, collected seeds from 8 native wildflowers, Flagstaff, AZ, 2024
- Northern Arizona University Research Greenhouse, added genetic diversity to seed bank of Velvet Mesquite, 2024
Outplanting
- Arizona Milkweeds for Monarchs, Assisted in planting 600 seedlings for habitat restoration in 2 locations around Rogers Lake, Flagstaff, AZ, 2024
SCHOLARSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS, AWARDS, GRANTS
Scholarships/Fellowships
- CR Krimminger Scholarship, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2021-2022
- Conservation Connect Fellow, National Forest Foundation, Denver, CO, 2021
- Scholarship Recipient, Adventure Filmmakers Workshop, Banff Mountain Film Festival, Banff, Canada, 2014
Awards
- 3MRP (University-wide 3 Minute Research Project live presentations), Finalist, 2022
- 1st and 2nd Places, District Toastmasters International Speech, Table Topics, Area Toastmasters Table Topics Competitions, NC, VA, 2016-2018
- 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention Places, Richmond Environmental Film Festival, Richmond, VA, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018
- Hermes Platinum Creative Award, self-published book Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, 2008
- Gold Achievement of Excellence Communicator Award, Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, 2008
Grants
- CultureWorks Micro Grant, “Drains to the James,” Richmond, VA, 2016
- Keep Jackson Beautiful, “Trees for People,” Jackson, MS, 1995
Communication Skills: oral, visual, written
Presentations
Video Online Broadcasts
- Reforestation and Restoration Instagram educational videos, part of the Reforestation Technician grant collaboration with New Mexico Highlands University Department of Forestry and Northern Arizona University School of Forestry, 2024
- Colorado Trail Stewardship, Colorado Trail thru-hiker, collaboration with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Instagram @tree_storyteller, 2023
- Footsteps in Time, Aztec Ruins Nationa Monument and Chaco Culture National HIstoric Park, National Park Service, 2023
- Weekly Wrap-Ups, Master of Forestry classes, Northern Arizona University, YouTube, 2021,
- Tree Storyteller, YouTube, 2021
- Travel Stories, YouTube, 2019-2021
In-Person
- Ales with the Arb, The Arboretum, Flagstaff, AZ, "Toilet Paper, Pipeline Fire, and Pipeline Restoration," August 21, 2024. Gave away party favors (don't be scared! It was new PACT Outdoors WAG bags)
- National Park Service, Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, developed and presented 2nd, 4th, and 7th grade programs to approx. 900 students in 52 school groups, 2022-2023
- School of Forestry, Master’s Capstone presentation, (Hybrid), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2022
- School of Forestry,, Seminar Series Student Projects, Master’s Project, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2021
- The Nature Conservancy, Master’s Project, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2021
- Environmental Stewardship, Pubic libraries and historical societies, ID, MS, VA, 2018-2020
- Toastmasters International, AZ, NC, VA, 2016-2017, 2022-2023
- Tree Stories, Public schools and community centers, MS, SC, VA, 2007-2016
- “Ice, Ice Baby,” Featured speaker, Apalachicola, FL, 2009-2014
- Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, Keynote Speaker at International Packaged Ie Association regional conferences, book tour with 125+ speeches throughout South & mid-Atlantic, Interviews with 70+ regional and local newspapers, magazines, television and radio shows including CBS Good Morning Show, New Orleans, LA, 2008-2013
- Chesterfield County Master Gardeners, Chesterfield, VA, 2009
- Spearheaded public tri-county campaign to save Outdoor Adventures, corresponded with media, addressed county policymakers, persuaded Board of Supervisors to reverse 100% budget to 3%, Chesterfield, VA, 2010
- School and after-school programs on trees, Jackson and Clinton, MS; Beaufort SC; Richmond VA, 1990-2003
- Keep Jackson Beautiful, Jackson, MS, 1994-1998
- Elderhostel (now Road Scholar), Student Greeter, Canton, MS, 1995-1996
Photographer
- Elli Morris stills and motion, independent professional businesswoman. Genres include editorial (trade journals, business & sports magazines, & newspapers), environmental, portrait, advertising, and commercial work, 2005-2018
- Fine Art Photographer, VA, MS, FL, and LA, 1995-2004
- Photography assistant, NY, 1999
- Expedition photographer, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Belize, Central America, 1991materials and innovative techniques to ensure that your stage looks amazing and is safe for performers and guests.
Filmmaker. Select few of the more than 50 environmental films produced 2013-2018
- Science Matters Because: Bennet Clark, PBS Community Idea Stations, Richmond, VA, 2018
- Nature Awaits, #Participate!, Honorable Mention, RVA Environmental Film Festival, 2018
- Bike Your Boat, Second-place winner, RVA Environmental Film Festival and Official Selection, Boats & Brews Festival, 2017
- The Balancing Act, 2016
- On the James, with Mitch, 2016
- The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon, Second-place winner, Richmond Environmental Film Festival James River Association, Richmond, VA, 2015
- Active Alt, Monthly video series, Sportsbackers, Richmond, VA, 2015
- Affair with the James, Third place winner, RVA Environmental Film Festival, Richmond, VA, 2013
- TV segment producer, Mississippi Roads, PBS, Jackson, MS, 2001, 2007
- Television audio tech, Mississippi Roads, Mississippi Outdoors, Funny Bones, and Tictock Minutes, PBS, Jackson, MS, 1999-2000
Publications and Journalism
Book Publication
- Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, seminal coffee table book on manufactured ice business, Author, researcher, photographer, publisher, Wackophoto Press, 2008
Articles
- Southern Funeral Director, Assistant Editor and monthly columnist, Yopp Publishing, Atlanta, GA, 2009-2018
- Richmond Outside, Featured Contributor (articles & videos), Richmond, VA, 2015-2016
- SludgeBlog, Weekly Columnist, Richmond, VA, 2011-2012
- Chesterfield Observer, Contributing Columnist, Chesterfield, VA, 2005-2012
- Refrigeration Magazine, Monthly feature writer and photographer, Yopp Publishing, Atlanta, GA., 2006-2010.
FACILITATOR AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Facilitator
- SCCORR (Southwest Colorado Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable) Facilitator and Project Manager, leading public listening sessions, developing public surveys, and facilitating Stakeholder and Advisory Committee meetings, 2023-2024
- School of Forestry, Strategic Plan Roadmap update, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2022
- School of Forestry graduate student, “Seminar Series" (Zoom), Graduate school classes, (Zoom and In Person), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2020-2022
- National Forest Foundation, Wildfire Crisis Strategy Roundtables breakout rooms, Zoom, USFS Regions 4 and 8, 2022
- Chesterfield Outdoor Programs, Ropes Challenge Course for ages 10 to 60, Chesterfield, VA, 2007-2018
Ambassador
- National Forest Foundation, Conservation Connect Fellow, Front Range Colorado, 2021
- KPO Designs, Whitewater SUP (Standup Paddleboard) Sponsored Athlete, Steamboat Springs, CO, 2017-2018
- Selected as one of 16 students invited to first Agricultural-Business Exchange tour in People’s Republic of China, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 1983
Liaison
- US Forest Service, Wilderness Ranger, SNRA, Stanley, ID, 2020
- SludgeBlog, Political Liaison and Advocate, Richmond, VA, 2011-2012
- Legislative Liaison, Television news program, PBS, Jackson, MS, 1998
- Green room hostess and phone screener for live broadcasts, PBS, Jackson, MS, 1996-1998
- Loggerhead Turtle Beach and Nest Patrol, South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources, Hilton Head Island, SC, 1991
- Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Ski Lift Operator, Lake Tahoe, CA, 1990
Guide
- Bogong Horseback Adventures, Horseback trips, Mt Beauty, Victoria, Australia, 1987
- Chesterfield County Outdoor Adventures, Kayak Ecotours, Whitewater Kayak, and Mountain Backpacking Trips, Chesterfield, VA, 2006-2018
- Media Escort, literary and music festivals, Jackson, MS, 1997-1998
Food and Beverage
- Waitress, Cocktail Waitress, Bartender, CA, CO, FL, GA, MS, NC, NV, VA, Intermittently 1979-2005
Sales
- Music promotional materials salesperson, various bands, Jackson, MS, 1996-1998
- Model, Window clothing model, Aspen, CO, 1983
- Retail, clothing, shoes, food, CO, NC, 1978-1980
General
- US Forest Service, Trail Maintenance Crew, SNRA, Stanley, ID, 2019
- Art class model, various organizations and state institutions, Richmond, VA, 2003-2005
- Richmond Ballet, Receptionist, Richmond, VA, 2004-2005
- Crossroads Film Festival, Coordinator, Jackson, MS, 1999-2000
- Office Temp, 50+ offices, Jackson, MS, 1995-1996
- Reader for the blind, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, 1992
INSTRUCTION AND TEACHING
Education Specialist
- National Park Service through Northern Arizona University, Public Lands Internship, World Heritage UNISCO sister parks Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, 2022-2023
Environmental Instructor
- Chesterfield County Outdoor Adventures, Curriculum Developer and Instructor, Chesterfield, VA, 2006-2018
- Sportable through Chesterfield Outdoor Adventures, Whitewater and flat-water adaptive sports kayak instructor, Richmond, VA, 2013-2018
- Whitewater kayak private trainer, Richmond, VA, 2017
- James River Walks, Richmond, VA, 2011-2012
- YMCA of Greater Richmond, After-school tutoring, Richmond, VA, 2010
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Curriculum Developer, Instructor, Richmond, VA, 2006-2008
Photography Courses
- Elli Morris stills & motion, Nature photography workshops, Richmond and Chesterfield, VA 2009-2018
- James River Leadership Expeditions, Mentor, Richmond, VA, 2016
- Robinson Theatre Community Center, Inner city youth, Richmond, VA, 2011-2012, 2014-2015
- Camp Wahi, Summer camp, Girl Scouts, Brandon, MS, 1994
RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT
Research
- Master of Forestry capstone research project, In-person exit surveys and spatial data collection, AZ, CO, ID, Northern Arizona University AZ, 2021
- Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, 100+ in-person interviews and examined historical records at museums, magazine headquarters, libraries, AL, FL, GA, MS, GA, NC, SC, VA, 2003-2008
- Keep Jackson Beautiful, Field data monitoring, Jackson, MS, 1996-1998
Managerial
- Twende Maasai Tours, Program Developer and Sustainability Coordinator, Arusha, Tanzania, 2019
- Elli Morris stills and motion, CEO, Creative director, Marketing, Accounting, and Social Outreach, FL, VA, 2005-2018
- Southern Lights Photography Studio, Manager, New Orleans, LA, 2000-2001
- Kirkpatrick Wildlife Photography, Manager, Jackson, MS, 1997-1999
- Gallery 108 art gallery, Director, Jackson, MS, 1997-1998
- ElderHostel (now Road Scholar), Coordinator, Canton, MS, 1995-1996
- Cooling the South: The Block Ice Era, 1875-1975, Publisher, promoter, South and mid-West, 2007-2009
EDUCATION
Post Secondary
- Master of Forestry, Human Dimensions Lab. Relevant course work includes Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Science Communication Theory, Wilderness Management, Ecological Economics, GIS and Spatial Analysis, Fire Management, and Forest Health, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 2022
- Non-degree Graduate Student, Photography, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, 1991-1993
- Bachelor of Science in Forestry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 1983
Certifications
- American Canoe Association, ACA Level 4 whitewater kayak instructor, 2017-2020
- US Forest Service, fire Red Card, Stanley, ID, 2020
- US Forest Service, Crosscut A Bucker, Chainsaw A Bucker and Feller, Stanley, ID, 2019
- Leave No Trace, Trainer Course Certification, Shenandoah National Park, VA, 2018
- SOLO Wilderness First Aid Certification, Richmond, VA, 2016, 2018
Workshops and Webinars
- RISE and ACE training, National Park Service, Chaco Canyon, NM, 2023
- “Achieve Great Things: How to be an Effective Storyteller,” Dept. of Interior, Online, 2022
- “Cross-cultural Communication - How to communicate with Tribes,” Dept. of Interior, Online, 2022
- “Implementing Co-stewardship in the Nation Park Service,” Dept. of Interior, Online, 2022
- “Foundations of Interpretation” and “More than Just a Field Trip,” Provalence online, 2022
- “Collaborative Conservation and Facilitation Practice,” National Forest Foundation, 2021
- Adventure Filmmaker’s Workshop, Banff Mountain Film Festival, 2014
- Maine Media Workshops, fine art, black and white photography, Rockport, ME, 1998, 2001
- Pew Charitable Trust, Media Action and Communication, Jackson, MS, 1993
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Officer Positions
- Secretary, Forestry Graduate Student Association, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 2021
- ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers), Central VA Chapter, Treasurer and Board Member, 2015-2017
Environmental Stewardship, Social Justice, Dancer
- Trail maintenance, Durango Trails, American Hiking Society, Pacific Crest Trail Association, US Forest Service, CO, CA, OR, ID, 2018, 2023
- SAWSAR (Sawtooth Search and Rescue), Volunteer, 2020
- Dancer, Claves Unidos Community Dance Class, Richmond, VA, 2012-2018
- Event Creator and Artistic Director, “Mardi Gras RVA!” Dogtown Dance Theatre, 2011-2018
- 7000 Car Miles, Twitter, Richmond, VA, 2017
- #TreeADay #Photo, Twitter, 2016
- Recycling coordinator, Lake Tahoe, CA, 1990
- Women’s shelter food delivery, Lexington, KY, 1980
TRAVEL
Solo, Group, Work, and Backpack explorations through 42 countries and 50 US states
- Summited Mt Kilimanjaro, Serengeti Safari, Tanzania, 2019
- Traveled in Iceland, 2017
- Traveled and worked in Central America, 1993
- Backpacked and hitchhiked through Oceania and Southeast Asia, 1987
- Traveled throughout Western Europe, 1984-1985
- Hitchhiked through 18 islands in the Caribbean, 1983-1984
- Traveled in Asia, 1983