naturalist
I'm a naturalist connecting people to mushrooms, traditional uses of native plants, and promoting creativity and exploration for all ages.
Fungi and the Critters Who Eat Them
What's that growing in the mulch? In the tree lawn? In the deep forest? In the community park down the street? And who is that eating it?
I specialize in the fungi and invertebrates pop up absolutely everywhere, both creepy and adorable, weird and fascinating.
They are the perfect introduction and reintroduction to nature. They remind us that nature is not separate from us. It's doing its own thing right next to us doing our own thing. What are they doing in their not-so-secret lives and what can we learn from them?
Creativity in Nature
The natural world is a source not just for creative inspiration but the tools themselves to create with. From pigments to traditional plant fibers, humans have been using the natural world to make art. I love to introduce children and adults alike to responsibly exploring the possibilities and creative histories found in trees, flowers, rocks, fungi and more.
This shows up in my practice as hikes teaching the historical uses of native plants found in the meadows of Acacia Reservation, to sustainably collecting appropriate leaves, flowers and sticks with children to use as tools, inspiration or raw materials for art.
If you're looking for urban wildlife walks, want to learn how to dye with local mushrooms, or ever wondered what lives under logs, I'd love to go exploring with you!
librarian
I'm a trained librarian with a passion for digital cultural and natural heritage projects.
Training
In May 2020, I graduated with my Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University with a focus in digital cultural and natural heritage.
My studies ranged from local history and genealogy database user research, zoos and nature centers within a museums and information science context, and digital preservation workflows that are viable for small institutions with limited resources.
Local History and Genealogy
My digitization and archival skills were honed in local history collections and collections with limited resources, focusing on photography and ephemera. These include Kenton County Public Library Local History and Genealogy, Cleveland State University Special Collections, International Women's Air and Space Museum, and most recently Bay Village Historical Society's Rose Hill Museum.
I also have extensive experience with genealogical research and leading one-on-one research sessions with library patrons to help find their family history. I enjoy teaching others how to combine information from the big names like Ancestry, Fold3, and FamilySearch with more obscure databases at the city and county level.
A Family History
For an example of both my digital heritage and genealogical work, feel free to visit my in-progress digital family tree of the Landgren and Collins families.
If you're looking for help finding your family's past, or are interested in building a site to showcase your family history, drop me a line!
designer
I design websites for small businesses, non-profits, and cultural and natural heritage projects.
Mary's Little Lambs
Warm woolies made from happy sheep raised in the Ozark Hills.
Visualizing Abolition
A collaborative digital history of the suppression of the African slave trade.
Scaphiopus solitarius
A charismatic illustration of an elusive toad gives us a glimpse into 19th century herpetology.
If you need a creative, interactive digital exhibit or a flexible and personal online shop that is scaled to your needs and resources I'd love to talk! Email me at kelsey@kelseymarierogers.com!