Taiji Nelson is a naturalist educator with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, who loves getting outdoors to explore and learn about nature. As a kid, the enthusiasm of his parents, scout masters and teachers was contagious, which led to a lifelong appreciation and commitment to the environment. He is excited to pass that on as adult who gets kids hooked on nature.
He holds an Environmental Studies degree with a focus in biology from the University of Pittsburgh, and has worked as a summer camp counselor, after school and substitute teacher, volunteer coordinator, and crew leader for the Student Conservation Association before joining the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy education team.
At the Parks Conservancy, he works primarily with middle and high school students studying park ecosystems and undertaking ecological restoration projects. He is passionate about connecting in-school and out-of-school learning, and helping kids follow their interests in nature science.