methodology

Meet Aimee Eberle – a lifelong water enthusiast, certified Master Naturalist, and former international Dragon Boat competitor. When she’s not working as a Lock and Dam Operator for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, she’s out exploring rivers and lakes, sharing her love of nature. With a deep knowledge of local wildlife and ecosystems, Aimee makes every kayak tour an adventure—spotting eagles, uncovering the river’s history, or simply soaking in the beauty of the water. From first-time paddlers to seasoned pros, she ensures a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience on the water!

Meet Carrie Katzenmeyer - an Anishinaabe/Norwegian artist who lives in Marine on Saint Croix with her family and rescue dog. She is passionate about encouraging others to express themselves through art. In her free time, Carrie enjoys hiking, learning more about her Indigenous heritage, painting, sewing, and spending time with loved ones.

She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in art and has taught at Marine Mills Folk School as well as through Reuse Minnesota.

Meet David Aichinger - the Chief Adventure Officer at Paddlefish Adventures in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. He is a lifelong adventurer with extensive experience in leading various outdoor activities. David has orchestrated numerous high-adventure trips, including a nine-day wilderness hike, week-long excursions in the Boundary Waters and on rivers, and a week-long scuba diving trip focused on cleaning coral reefs in the Caribbean.

David holds several certifications, including:

Youth Protection Training, BSA Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat Training, Hazardous Weather Training, Red Cross Wilderness First Aid, Red Cross CPR/AED, Red Cross

Meet Jessica Turtle - an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and Master Naturalist who founded Treehaus Studio. Her work focuses on community engagement and explores folklore, symbiotic relationships, and the Anthropocene. Through her art and teaching, she encourages us to appreciate the beauty and magic of the natural world while fostering a deeper understanding of our place within it and our impact on the environment.

Jessica has a BFA in Studio Arts from the University of Wisconsin. She studied Object-based learning with the N.W. Harris Learning Collection in Chicago and at the Bell Museum in Minnesota.

Meet Leonard, also known as "Leo," - a German Shepherd and Husky mix who is a dedicated and enthusiastic adventurer. He is infinitely loyalty to anyone who hugs him and he has excellent social skills when greeting clients and colleagues. He has a natural ability to reduce anxiety or stress and will charm you out of snacks with his sweet side-eye and playful demeanor.

Leo is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, specializing in stress and anxiety reduction.

Meet Sandy Spieler - a versatile artist who works as a sculptor, performer, teacher, and director. Her diverse body of work includes small puppet shows presented from a suitcase, collaborative performances and installations, theater productions, permanent public art commissions, and educational initiatives in community settings and universities. Spieler founded In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, where she served as Artistic Director for 45 years. Additionally, she has directed ritual performances in South Korea, Los Angeles, and the Dominican Republic.

Sandy holds a Master's degree in Cultural Performance from Bristol University. She studied Puppetry Arts at the Bread and Puppet Theatre and learned Balinese Masked Dance at New York University.

Meet Tanner Barnharst - a teacher of scientific subjects for over 15 years who enjoys the art of passing on knowledge. Tanner has been leading mushroom and lichen walks for nine years and recently published the Minnesota Lichen Guide. Tanner enjoys reading science-fiction, practicing photography, and being outdoors as much as possible.

Tanner holds a BS in Microbiology and an MS in Environmental Engineering.