Meet Our Staff

Our Mission

The Discovery Center connects people with nature in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Our mission is to promote stewardship of the region's natural and cultural resources.


Our Location

215 Highway W in Manitowish Waters, about one mile north of Highway 51 and County W

 

Get Directions (Google Maps)

 

Meet Our Staff

Sarah Johnson - Executive Director - sarah@discoverycenter.net
Sarah joined the Discovery Center as a Birding Intern in 2004, and was immediately drawn to the close-knit community organization. In 2010, following graduate studies in Environmental Education and stints as the Discovery Center's Program Director and Board President, she was appointed Executive Director.

Licia Johnson - Naturalist/Educator - licia@discoverycenter.net
Licia joined the Discovery Center team in spring 2007 as a seasonal Environmental Educator. In December 2007 she was appointed permanent staff. Licia graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha, WI in May 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Conservation and Geography. In addition to teaching about our natural world, Licia is the coordinator for the Center's many outreach programs.

Beth Meyer - Bookkeeper/Administrative Support - beth@discoverycenter.net
Beth Meyer and her husband Howie moved to the Northwoods from the Chicago area in 1993 . Before joining the Discovery Center team in April 2007, Beth worked as a bookkeeper for area businesses and was for many years a Realtor in Presque Isle. Beth loves her work at the Discovery Center - especially the contact with donors and volunteers.

Katie Simonsen - Assistant Director - katie@discoverycenter.net
Katie joined the Discovery Center team in May 2011.  She believes strongly that the best way to connect to nature is through direct experience in a variety of ways, including research, recreation, and education. During her undergraduate work at Baylor University and graduate studies at the UW-Madison she developed a passion for thoughtful landscape management and honed a few hobbies that she continues today including photography, triathlons, and knitting.

Carrie Stiegler - Administrative Support - carrie@discoverycenter.net
Carrie recently moved back to the Northwoods from Wyoming, and joined the Discovery Center in 2010. When not on alpine or cross-county skis, Carrie enjoys adventure travel, mountaineering, road biking, reading, writing, and floating the Chain of Lakes. She received her undergraduate degree in Zoology from Oregon State University, and continued her naturalist education at the Friday Harbor Lab in Friday Harbor, Washington.

Ryan Wahlgren - Grounds/Trail Coordinator - ryan@discoverycenter.net
Ryan grew up in Boulder Junction, and has spent the last six summers building docks and decks in the Northwoods. He enjoys the outdoors as much or more than any man up here, and is an avid musky and walleye fisherman, and tournament angler. Ryan took the job here because he loves being part of a great place for kids to expand their outdoor experiences and education.

Zach Wilson - Naturalist / Woods and Waters Coordinator - zach@discoverycenter.net
Zach graduated from Northland College in 2000, with degree in Outdoor Education & Natural History. He has traveled to 15 countries learning about environmental issues, organic farming practices and culture. Zach soon decided to move back to his hometown, taking a job with the Discovery Center, and practicing the philosophy "Acting Locally and Thinking Globally". In addition to his responsibilities as Naturalist, Zach serves as the Woods & Waters Coordinator, a project involving high school students in the study of the American marten and Common loon.

 

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