SMP employee spotlight: Janean Kazimir & Becca Zak
Janean and Becca are Interpretive Naturalists with Summit Metro Parks and have been with the park district for three and five years, respectively. Learn more about their important work here.
What is your role at Summit Metro Parks?
BZ: We’re interpretive naturalists. We lead public programs and are tasked with making plants, animals, history and stewardship relevant and important. We’re encouraged to stay curious and be life-long learners. It’s a rewarding and intentional career and we highly recommend it; the world needs more people in the scientific community!
What’s your favorite project?
JK: I’ve enjoyed teaching visitors about misunderstood wildlife, such as bats, reptiles and coyotes. I love creating “aha!” moments around critters that are not traditionally seen as “cute and cuddly.”
BZ: Focusing on the human side of sustainability is most rewarding for me. Human impacts are often overlooked, yet are prevalent worldwide. Encouraging meaningful human action is necessary and contagious!
You’re featured in this year’s ad campaign. Can you tell us about those photos?
JK: Becca and I are stand-up paddleboarding at Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park. This park is perfect for camping, fishing, paddle sports and to see eagles, osprey and purple martins. Learn more about kayaking or paddleboarding — join us on a program this summer!
What’s your best tip to enjoy the Metro Parks?
BZ: We’re biased, but suggest attending an SMP program! In every season, there is so much to learn and discover. Search for salamanders, call for coyotes or touch a turtle. The more you learn, the more you understand and the more you care.
For more great stories like this, check out Green Islands Magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks.
