Support Quarry Hill by volunteering or become a Friend of Quarry Hill.
Please visit the Get Involved section to learn more.
Friends of Quarry Hill Nature Center Board of Directors:
| Bob Cline - President | Amy Davis - Vice President |
| Barb Ames - Treasurer | Kathy Ohm |
| Nora Dooley | George Penokie |
| Dave Moehnke | Michael Sadauskis |
| Kim Otte | Mike Nigbur |
| Jim Sonju |
Quarry Hill Nature Center Staff:
Pam Meyer - Executive Director
I grew up in Plymouth, MN where I got an early start in science spending endless hours agate hunting in my neighbors river rock driveway and summers exploring neighborhood ponds for crayfish and turtles. Pursuing my passion for nature and science lead me to the University of Minnesota-Duluth where I received a degree in Earth and Space Sciences and Environmental and Outdoor Education with a minor in Geology. I also hold a current Minnesota teaching license for sciences grades 5-12. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to teach in a diversity of nature and science centers from LA County Outdoor School of Science in Malibu to Massachusetts Audubon's Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Martha's Vineyard to all the way up north at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minn. I've been coast to coast and still feel Quarry Hill stands alone unparalleled in its field with a fantastic staff and awesome natural resources right in town!
Jill Danielsen - Volunteer & Program Coordinator/Naturalist
I have a background in wildlife biology and spent several years in wildlife research in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This led me to environmental science and thus my role here as naturalist and volunteer coordinator. I love the many facets that nature brings: the surprise element, the constant renewal, the beauty, the ‘peace and calm’, and the ‘always learning something new’ aspect. Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughters, living on the farm I grew up on just outside of Rochester. I also enjoy gardening, hiking and whatever else that gets me outside.
Lori Forstie - Public Relations & Outreach
Beginning my work at Quarry Hill has been a “blast from the past”. Not only is it bringing back memories of visiting the park as a child, but I have also re-connected with some of my former science teachers who still visit Quarry Hill with their students today. Their dedication to helping students experience science and nature “hands-on” is inspiring.
After leaving Rochester for a number of years, my husband and I moved back to Rochester to raise our three children. We knew that exploring nature and time outdoors were an important part of growing up and a way to balance the overload that kids sometimes face today. We began to take advantage of the many opportunities at Quarry Hill and to this day consider it one of the best places in town to hang out! I am a naturally curious person and spend my free time gardening, knitting and skiing. I enjoy discovering nature through the eyes of the Quarry Hill naturalists and many visitors we see each day.
Ryan Leveque - Naturalist / Teacher
I grew up in the northeast corner of Illinois along Lake Michigan. My boyhood days were spent playing in the woods next to our house. Whether I was exploring, building forts, catching fish in the creek, or collecting bones my bond to nature was born there. Wanting to stay close to the Great Lakes, I attended Northland College in northern Wisconsin along Lake Superior. There I double majored in Biology and Natural Resources, and met my wife Kristin.
Before Quarry Hill, I worked a variety of different jobs in various fields. I started out more on the natural resources research side, then moved to wildlife management, until finally coming to rest in environmental education. All three fields have their benefits, but education proves to be the most promising in the hope that we can instill a passion for the outdoors in our youth, and that passion will ensure protection for the future.
During my free time, I find myself still wanting to be engulfed in nature. I enjoy canoeing, hunting and trapping, camping, and hiking. I could not be luckier than I am here; with great staff and getting to do what I enjoy everyday.
Glenna MaKosky - Teacher/ Naturalist
I grew up in Upper Michigan loving trees, bugs, mud and anything associated with the out-of-doors. When I took high school biology, I was so thrilled to learn more about the natural world. Because of this I became hooked on science and took every science class I could. This led me to Michigan Tech where I earned a biology degree and I later also earned an elementary teaching degree from Winona State. Being at Quarry Hill enables me to do what I love - sharing nature and science with people of all ages. My passion is to get students excited about nature and then, perhaps some of them, like me, will also become excited about science and math in general. Even if they do not become science "nerds", I hope they will treasure the natural world throughout their lives. I started at Quarry Hill in 1990 with a part time position which lasted for 3 years and then came back as a full time staff member in 1996. I spend most of my days preparing for and teaching district and other classes.
Joe Melmer - Facilities Manager
I grew up in rural South Dakota where I developed a love of the outdoors. This interest in the outdoors influenced my choice of college study, geology; I also have acquired a MS in management. I have been blessed with a variety of exciting previous work experiences; including solar power plants, nuclear facilities, space shuttle, construction, farms, facilities and welding. I love working at Quarry Hill, it would be my choice as the best work environment and the staff would be included with my best coworkers.
Travis Meyer - Naturalist/ Teacher
I grew up right here in Rochester, even attending classes at Quarry Hill as a youngster. After graduating from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. degree in Biology, I taught for seven years at informal outdoor and environmental education facilities across the country. During this time I also obtained a Master's Certificate in Environmental and Outdoor Education from the University of Minnesota- Duluth. At Quarry Hill, I assist with classes, programs, camps, and care for the animals. In my spare time I enjoy working on my house, picking things from the garden, attending the many activities to do in Rochester, and shoveling snow.
Carrie Nelson - Naturalist/ Teacher
Rocks, mud, bugs, mud, crayfish, and more mud were some of my favorite things growing up here in Rochester. When not playing around our backyard and by the Zumbro River, the need for nature was taken care of with our school trips to Quarry Hill. It was here that I first saw how to combine the things I enjoyed the most, Nature and learning. After attending college here in Rochester and in the Twin Cities, I became a member of AmeriCorps. I was first placed at Ability Building Center then placed here at Quarry Hill. Thankfully after AmeriCorps ended, I was able to join Quarry Hill's staff full-time. Every day here still brings new wonders and learning experiences. I enjoy the opportunity to work with the many school classes as well as our public programs through-out the year.
Kirk Payne - Teacher/ Naturalist
I am the son of two music educators and grew up in Utah, Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin. I have a B.S. degree in biology and an M.A. degree in Science Education, both from the University of Iowa. After working for several non-traditional schools and conservation organizations, I joined the staff of the Rochester Public Schools as a teacher/ naturalist at Quarry Hill in 1989. In 1998, I transferred to John Marshall High School to teach science classes, returning to Quarry Hill in 2006. I enjoy all of nature, but am especially interested in the prairie ecosystem and birds. In my spare time, I enjoy practicing the art and sport of falconry, keeping a few chickens and playing tennis. I am married to Jo and together we have four daughters.
Mary Radcliff - Office Manager
I began my duties as Office Administrator at Quarry Hill on August 1, 2011. I grew up in South Dakota enjoying the outdoors with my dad. My husband’s career brought us to Chatfield, MN five years ago. I graduated from RCTC in December 2010 with my Associates Degree. I am currently enrolled at Winona State University pursuing my Bachelors Degree in Professional Studies. My husband and I have been blessed with four daughters ages 12, 9, 6, and 4. As a family we enjoy the outdoors, hiking, camping, and fishing. We also kayak the Root River frequently. I look forward to my duties at Quarry Hill and being part of a staff that is dedicated to educating others on nature and the natural sciences.