Naomi Sherer is the founder of the Education program at McNary National Wildlife Refuge. She came to McNary in 1997 at the request of Greg Greger, Audubon Society, and refuge management. She immediately established an education program in partnership with the Fish and Wildlife Service in the old residence building at the McNary headquarters (she appreciates the new facility).
The initial program started as a teaching-the-teacher outreach. Many local teachers received continuing education credit through the program.
A grant was received in 1998 that led to the initial outdoor stations. As many as 3,000 children rotated through these initial stations each year. The program has grown and matured since those beginnings.
Naomi has been an energetic force in the education center and Friends Group (established in 2000) throughout the ensuing 13 years. At 82 years of age, she remains active and productive. She maintains a high energy level and brings this energy to the Education Center programs and participants. She advises others that they need not let age nor lack of formal education keep them from being active and purposeful.
Prior to establishing the education program, Naomi worked for 20 years as an editor/writer for Battelle Memorial Institute and raised her five children. She grew up on a farm, which she credits for leading her to love the outdoors. She has remained a naturalist all her life. She studied ecology and cultures through the Earthwatch program.
She continues to write. She has published four books (she says that’s all she will claim) the latest being Sagesong. She has also written poetry, articles for publications, and romance and adventure stories. Her formal education includes two years at the College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minnesota in art, producing sculpture in stone, clay, and wood.
by Gary Hagedorn, Friend & Refuge Volunteer