Ellen Rathbone is the new Environmental Educator at the Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne. Ellen is developing and leading programs for area schools, as well as a variety of programs for families and adults visiting Rogers Center. Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to Ellen the next time you’re at the Center. (Submitted photo)


SHERBURNE ― Environmental Educator and Hamilton native Ellen Rathbone wanted to return to Central New York, and Rogers Center in Sherburne needed someone exactly like her.

Rogers Center featured prominently in Ellen's early years, both on school field trips and as a family destination. At that time Rogers was operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

“I have great memories of visiting Rogers,” Ellen said. “I remember making anemometers out of ping-pong balls and toothpicks, and a memorable overnight field trip with my sixth-grade class.”

Ellen went on to a lifetime of experience in the field of environmental and outdoor education. She acquired Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse and worked in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Michigan, and most recently in Illinois. Then Friends of Rogers, the non-profit that now operates Rogers Center, advertised for an experienced Senior Educator.

“It had been my dream to move back to Central New York, but I never thought it would be possible. My career path is highly specific. When the position at Rogers opened this summer, I had to apply, and I am delighted to have been selected for the job.”

Ellen describes herself as a “Jack of all Trades” when it comes to the outdoors. “My interests are widely varied. I was the mammal person until I became the plant person. These days a lot of my focus is on insects, especially bees and wasps! I love spiders and snakes, and I have developed a deep respect for soils and their role in planetary health,” Ellen explained. Canoeing, photography, archery, and nature journaling round out some of her outdoor skills.

“We are so excited to have Ellen back at Rogers as our Environmental Educator” said John Pumilio, president of Rogers Board of Directors. “Ellen’s deep knowledge of natural history along with her warm and welcoming smile will add great value to our programming and to the Central New York community.”

Ellen is developing and leading programs for area schools, as well as a variety of programs for families and adults visiting Rogers Center. Be sure to say hello and introduce yourself to Ellen the next time you’re at the Center.

The Environmental Educator position is supported with funding from the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Grants and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The Park and Trail Partnership Grants are administered by Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Friends of Rogers is a 501(c)3 Non-profit organization operating Rogers Environmental Education Center under contract with the NYS DEC, at 2721 State Hwy-80 in Sherburne.

-Information provided by Friends of Rogers