Staff Lead Highlight: Nicole Freshour, Conservation Coordinator
Staff Lead highlights are a great way for volunteers to get to know our staff and for staff to share their work with volunteers. This month, we're excited to feature Nicole Freshour, a Conservation Coordinator and SE Zone Steward with Five Rivers MetroParks. Since joining MetroParks in October 2019 as a Conservation Technician, Nicole has been dedicated to restoring and maintaining natural areas, fostering biodiversity, and inspiring others to connect with the outdoors. From an early age, Nicole was drawn to nature - catching frogs, identifying plants, and spending time outdoors fueled a lifelong passion for conservation. Originally considering a career in animal care, Nicole shifted focus after a formative experience in a natural resources program. Encouraged by a mentor, Nicole pursued a degree in Wildlife Management at Hocking Technical College before continuing studies in Fish & Wildlife Management at The Ohio State University. These experiences set the foundation for a career dedicated to habitat restoration and wildlife conservation. For Nicole, one of the most rewarding aspects of working with MetroParks is seeing the results of conservation efforts firsthand. "There is always so much more to do, but the areas we focus on 'shine' with newfound resilience," Nicole shares. The combination of hands-on habitat management and working alongside passionate colleagues makes each day fulfilling. As a Staff Lead, Nicole believes that enthusiasm is contagious. "Passion begets passion", she explains. "Sharing my knowledge and passion for nature with volunteers helps to fuel their own enthusiasm for the work we do. Even when the work seems repetitive or endless, it is still work that needs to be done, and every bit helps to bring our parks back to a healthy balance." Nicole works with volunteers in a variety of ways, from prescribed burns and invasive species removal to seed collection and wildlife monitoring. She recognizes the incredible impact volunteers have, saying, "Many hands make light work. We are much more efficient and effective with assistance from our amazing, dedicated volunteers." She also enjoys learning from them, noting, "I often feel I take away just as much knowledge from them as I dispense." Outside of work, Nicole is an avid volunteer, participating in annual Christmas Bird Counts and guiding birdwatching tours for the Biggest Week in American Birding festival. Within MetroParks, Nicole has also volunteered at the Carriage Hill Riding Center at Carriage Hill MetroPark. We're grateful for Nicole's expertise, leadership, and commitment to conservation. Her ability to inspire and collaborate with volunteers helps make MetroParks' natural spaces healthier and more resilient for both wildlife and people. Want to work alongside Nicole and support conservation efforts? Check out our conservation volunteer opportunities! Or, join us for our next Volunteer Open House, where you can connect with a Volunteer Coordinator to find the right volunteer opportunity for you. Click here to RSVP! Thank you, Nicole, for your outstanding leadership and dedication to volunteers at Five Rivers MetroParks! Meet more of our dedicated staff members in additional Staff Lead Highlights on our Volunteer Blog here.
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