My name is Erin Rawls and I am the new Outreach Coordinator at The Wetlands Institute. I was born and raised in sunny Clearwater Florida, and grew up exploring the mangroves and beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Growing up in Florida meant experiencing a lot of unique wildlife, including actually seeing an alligator crawl out of the sewer! I graduated from the University of Florida in 2015 with a B.S. in Zoology and Psychology, and afterwards discovered the field of environmental education. As an environmental educator, I have taught hundreds of children about the unique features of their local ecosystems. I have worked throughout the United States and abroad including jobs in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Costa Rica, and even had a previous stint as an educator in southern New Jersey. Most recently, I lived in California and experienced the awesome Pacific Ocean. I am excited to return to the East Coast and back to southern New Jersey. In my spare time, I like to bird, sleep, and go to the beach where I can do both!
Growing up so close to the beach, I have always had a love for the ocean and marine life. I believe that the oceans and marshes are some of the most special ecosystems in the world, and I am excited to share this love with others, especially those who don’t live near the beach. While at The Wetlands Institute, I hope to bring some of the magic of the wetlands to others and hopefully inspire them to protect the world around us.