Understanding animals and their natural habitats are fascinating. Oxbow Meadows opens up their exhibits to share with us the animals and the environment in which they live. Admiring the beauty of a natural habitat helps provide us with quality living. Who’s up for preserving nature?
Presenters
Dr. Lauren C. Johnson, Ed.D
Assistant Director & Program Manager
Lauren Johnson joined the Oxbow Meadows team in 2012. Prior to joining Oxbow Meadows she worked for the Alabama 4-H Coosa River Science School, Merritt Island Rotary Park Nature Center, F. D. Roosevelt State Park, and Palm Bay Academy Charter Middle School. Lauren has also spent time as an AmeriCorps volunteer in California and a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Curriculum at Columbus State University, Education Specialist degree in Science Education at Florida Institute of Technology, Master of Science in Environmental Education at Nova Southeastern University, and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at LaGrange College. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys hiking with her dogs Shiloh and Penney, crocheting, playing the piano, and exploring the outdoors.
Ashley Herbolich
Environmental Educator & Public Programs Specialist
Ashley Herbolich is originally from Pittsburgh, PA but spent most of her adult years in Brooklyn, NY. Ashley has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from The New School in New York City. Prior to working at Oxbow, Ashley was a Pre-Kindergarten teacher through Bright from the Start for two years at a NAEYC accredited institution. Ashley was an Environmental Educator for the Wildlife Conservation Society for 5 years at the Prospect Park Zoo in New York City before moving overseas to New Zealand. She is excited to be working with both children and animals again! The mission of Oxbow Meadows aligns very closely with Ashley’s personal mission to strengthen or cultivate the connection that children (and adults) in urban areas feel towards wildlife and wild places through discovery and exploration.
Jacob Fetters-Bohrer
Animal Keeper
Jacob grew up in Ohio where he received a degree in biology from Wright State University in 2017. In 2019 he interned with the Denver Zoo at their Tropical Discovery department while working in the Office of Animal Resources at CU Boulder. As an intern at the Denver Zoo Jacob learned many of the skills he carries into his work at Oxbow Meadows. Jacob started in 2021 and hopes to spend many years caring for and educating the public about the amazing animals we have here.