Michala Hendrick

Background

About Michala Hendrick

I received my B.S. in Environmental Science from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 2019, and my M.S. in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Studies and Graduate Certificate in Conservation Leadership from Old Dominion University in December of 2021. My research work includes stakeholder perceptions of ecosystem service elasticity, wildfire smoke and nature-based tourism, visitor use management, specialization theory, barriers and constraints, air quality in the Hampton Roads Region, and the role of prescribed fire at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.After completing my M.S. I continued my work with Old Dominion University as an Associate Researcher, reporting findings for the National Park Service’s Region 1 visitor use management (VUM) efforts. Additionally, I worked with WSP as an avian specialist, conducting wintering grassland surveys, looking specifically for state listed raptor species in areas of proposed wind and solar development. In June of 2022, I was hired by Hudson Taconic Lands (formerly Rensselaer Plateau Alliance) as a seasonal staff lead for the Forest Conservation Corps Program and have since transitioned to the director of youth programming at Hudson Taconic Lands.As Director of youth programming, my work now centers on existing youth programming facilitation and launching the Hudson Taconic Learning Landscapes Program. Through partnership with school districts, landowners, teachers, and students, Hudson Taconic Lands is working to enhance or conserve open space within a reasonable distance to public schools in RENSCO, safeguarding quality outdoor educational opportunities for youth in perpetuity.Outside of work and research, I'm a passionate fly angler, exploring waters across the country, honing my skills, and spending quality time in nature.