Emma Vasicek is Evergreen Audubon’s Executive Director. Besides operating the Evergreen Nature Center, Emma brings our nature education programming to schools and community groups. Beginning at a very young age, she has carried a deep passion for the outdoors, and she finds immense joy in fostering a connection to nature in others. She distinctly remembers telling her third grade teacher that she wanted to be a farmer when she grew up, because she wanted to be outside as much as possible. As she pursued schooling, her interest in the outdoors became more focused, and she obtained a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Following graduation, she started work as a seasonal Interpretive Naturalist at P. J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, Michigan, and fell in love with environmental education. She saw first-hand the impact that even a small nature center can have on the community it serves and knew this was the career path she wanted to pursue. At the end of her seasonal employment, she was asked to serve as a board member for the Gillette Nature Association ― a volunteer board that supported the Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. She served on the board for two years before being asked to step into the role of Board President. During her term as president, she restructured term limits, successfully launched new fundraising events, and enabled the installation of a new interpretive exhibit at the park visitor center.

In fall of 2015, she accepted the role of Exhibits Coordinator with the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In less than a year, she was promoted to Exhibits & Public Events Coordinator, and two years later received another promotion to Public Events Director. As the Public Events Director, she cultivated unprecedented growth in the Public Programs department. Within the first two years, she increased the annual program attendance by 67%, the program offerings by 20%, and the partnership engagement by 80%.

When she’s not working, you will still find her outdoors. She loves camping, hiking, backpacking, and the overall exploration of nature. She has been downhill skiing since she was two years old and joined the National Ski Patrol in 2008 as a certified Outdoor Emergency Care Technician. She and her husband enjoy trying new restaurants, exploring new places, and expanding their board game collection. When she is indoors. She’s often curled up with their three cats, a cup of tea, and a good book.