For the first time ever, the Highlands Biological Foundation will have two full-time education specialists running public programs and camps at the Highlands Nature Center.
New education specialist, and Buies Creek native, Holly Theobald earned her degree in environmental Earth sciences from UNC-Asheville before going to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science in Raleigh doing environmental research and eventually working with the nonprofit, the Center for Human Earth Restoration. After missing the mountains, she said she found the opening at the Highlands Biological Foundation.
Theobald said she got her start in nature from her family.
“I grew up in rural North Carolina exploring the landscape through the lens of my grandmother, mom and dad,” Theobald said. “They taught me how to explore, appreciate and understand the natural world. All of my life I have looked at rocks, which led me to this field.”
Since starting in the position, Theobald said it has been amazing.
“My time here so far has been an absolute treat,” Theobald said. “Not only do I get to continue environmental education, but I get to do so in the Southern Appalachians at the Nature Center. I love it.”
From looking at and studying rocks to now teaching about nature, Theobald said teaching is what motivates and drives her to be able to pass along her knowledge.
“For me, I can always pick up a rock and study it,” Theobald said. “But to show children, or people of all ages, what the natural world has to offer and how to interact with it, it is something that motivates me and drives me to pursue this career.”
Paige Engelbrektsson was the first full time education specialist at the Nature Center, and she said she quickly found herself needing help.
“We have been able to expand our program and outreach because there was such an interest in the community,” Engelbrektsson said. “We reached a point where I looked at my calendar and realized I couldn’t do it by myself, but we wanted to keep doing more, giving back and educating. We realized that a second full-time educator is what we really needed, and I am so grateful we did that.”
Engelbrektsson said Theobald embodies what the heart of environmental education is.
“Holly is so patient, and she’s genuine and enthusiastic,” Engelbrektsson said. “She takes everything in stride and brings joy to what she is doing. That, to me, is the heart of environmental education, that connection to nature and people and the love for what you’re doing. Holly really embodies that.”
Theobald said the importance of the Nature Center to the community is hard to quantify.
“This gives the community the opportunity to have an experiential approach to the environment that we all inhabit,” Theobald said. “The Nature Center provides a place for families and the community to gather and enjoy this natural world that we all share.”
Engelbrektsson said having another full-time education specialist is a huge feat as a nonprofit.
“I would love to recognize the community members who recognized the need for this position and have been supportive,” Engelbrektsson said. “We are incredibly grateful for those people that saw the value in this position and support what we do.”
With past camps and programs filling up quickly, Theobald said she is nervous, but excited for the challenge that lies ahead.
“I am really enthusiastic about the programs and camps,” Theobald said. “I want to follow in Paige’s footsteps the best that I can. It’s a little nerve wrecking, but I’m enthusiastic to accept the challenge.”
Outside of the Nature Center, Theobald said she enjoys a good sunrise with a journal and a cup of tea, enjoying special moments.
For more information on summer camps offered by the Highlands Nature Center, visit highlandsbiological.org regularly for registration dates.
- By Christopher Lugo