YES! is welcoming a new member to our staff – Jonathan Morales is the newest YES! coordinator. We are excited for Jon to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with the YES! Program!
Here is a little more about Jon:
I said “yes” to YES! With the expansion of YES! into new communities and the extraordinary projects completed last year, we are posed for a fantastic new season. I have been nothing short of amazed while reviewing the projects that the YES! teams have completed so far.
I was born and raised in Willmar, MN, and studied at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, majoring in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in natural sciences and a minor in psychology. I have been fortunate to work with some great organizations thus far such as the Center for Sustainable Community Development (CSCD) in Duluth where we worked on promoting community scale wind development. I was also privileged to work in Yellowstone National Park working with their Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team to conduct a hydrological survey in hopes to reintroduce native trout populations. These experiences stirred up emotions that have shaped my life ever since.
The wilderness of the Boundary Waters is my home as often as possible. I have enjoyed many trips to a variety of locations in the BWCA. I am an avid runner and Nordic skier, having completed both Grandma’s Marathon and the American Birkebeiner races twice. This year my wife, Holly, and I also welcomed a baby girl, Amelia, to our family. I look forward to fostering a love for the environment in her and am excited about the adventures we have in store for us!
Upon graduation, I worked with an aerial photography company. For the last two years I have been employed at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, which has allowed me to teach a variety of classes, from rock climbing to pond studies. I have learned a great deal while working at PWELC, and will continue teach classes whenever possible. When not teaching, you will find me out at the PWELC “shop” trying to get dirty. I cannot wait to work with all the new and veteran YES! teams and look forward to what we can accomplish this year.
If you have any questions for Jon or wish to welcome him to YES!, please contact him at [email protected].
