Join us in welcoming Jonathan Creel as the new Executive Director of the Ogden Nature Center

The Ogden Nature Center Board of Directors has hired Jonathan Creel as Executive Director. Creel replaces Mary McKinley, who served as the Executive Director of the Ogden Nature Center for over 19 years, and is retiring.

Jonathan Creel grew up in the panhandle of Florida, and stayed in the area to earn his B.A. and M.A. After a cross-country road trip to the West, he was hooked. Jonathan began a career in the field of science and history interpretation that took him to Yellowstone National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Grand Canyon National Park. He then joined the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Los Alamos, New Mexico, as their first Director of Interpretation.

At PEEC he led the exhibit design and development process during the construction of their new nature center, which opened in 2015. After the grand opening, Jonathan was involved in nearly every aspect of the organization: from community programming, managing the planetarium, and developing exhibits to building strategic partnerships throughout the region. After six years with PEEC, Jonathan became the first person hired specifically for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park at Los Alamos National Laboratory. There, Jonathan created the strategic vision for sharing the ground-breaking history of the Lab and guided the development of the new Challenge: Tomorrow science outreach program.

Jonathan is thrilled to join the Ogden Nature Center, where his passion for nature and environmental education aligns perfectly with the mission of the organization. As an avid hiker and packrafter, an aspiring skier, and a dedicated birder, Jonathan is looking forward to exploring the area and all it has to offer.

“The Board of Directors is excited to have Jonathan Creel as the new Executive Director of the Ogden Nature Center. Jonathan was selected from a nationwide search attracting nearly 50 applicants. His background, experience and passion for nature and environmental education are indications of a bright future for the Ogden Nature Center,” said Board Chair James Brown.

Rainbow Girls Summer Concert

Wednesday, July 27, 7 pm

In the backyard glen behind the Visitor Center, join us for a magical summer evening!

—“A gang of sweet angels punching you in the heart.” Rainbow Girls are the Bay area’s Americana musicians & singers — Erin Chapin, Caitlin Gowdey, and Vanessa May.

Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Picnic dinners are welcome, and boxed dinners may be purchased when you fill out your ticket order form.

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