Natalie Koffarnus
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State: Wisconsin
Age: 27
Bio: I grew up in Colby, yes, the home of the cheese and watched cows meander in the green fields from my window. I have always loved spending time outdoors, a lot of time as a child because of being forced out of the house. Because a farming life doesn't generally lead toward long vacations, local state parks were close-by gems my parents utilized. As a freshman in college, I took my first leave-no-trace spring break trip to Moab, Utah. What an eye opener. I am currently going for my BA at UW-Madison for a degree in Biological Aspects of Conservation. Someday I would love to expand into outdoor education, but am currently wanting to focus on waste management issues.
Natalie's Updates
I Am A State Park Ambassador Because: People will do mountains of research for a vacation they are taking to another state or country - looking for the places the locals know best. If they put the same effort into looking for the places where they qualify as the locals, undoubtably they would find locations they would have traveled to go see if they were visitors. Easy example: Living in New York City and never visiting the Statue of Liberty. With rising fuel costs, an economically challagend country and individual impacts on climate change, I believe if more people discover what a day trip or weekend outing to a local park can add to thier lives they will be much more satisfied with staying close to home if they cannot manage a lavish vacation for themselves or thier loved ones. I hope I can convey all the beauty and fun opportunities WI State Parks have to offer!
Schools Attended: UW-Eau Claire and UW-Madison
First State Park: Rib Mountain State Park
Favorite State Park: A tie between Devil's Lake and Copper Falls
Park I Am Dying To Visit: Natural Bridge
I've Visited State Parks In: Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Coolest Thing I've Seen In Parks: The Bayou's in Louisiana. The plants that tolerate that environment were unlike any I was familiar with.
Interests: Recycling, traveling, new experiences.
Music Played At My Campfire: Crickets and Mosquitoes
What Not To Miss In My State's Parks: The winter activities!
Who I Would Go On A Hike With If I Could: Brad Pitt? Nah, John Muir - see how WI has changed since his stroll though it.
This Sums It All Up For Me: Live Life