Staff Spotlight

Meet Carla Rohde


	Park Naturalist Carla Rohde

Not everyone can say they work with a bunch of animals and mean it – literally. Watkins Nature Center’s Carla Rohde says, “I come to work, care for the animals, and make sure the customers have a good time and learn something when they are here. I want everyone to have a positive experience so they will come back and bring friends with them.”

“I have a long history with the center, having worked here part time as a senior in college and even working at the summer camps. I left here for awhile, then came back to interview for the full time job I have now and I love it!” says Carla. “My typical day really depends on what time of year it is. In spring and summer I focus on gardening, the flower beds and outdoor pond, and get to collaborate with the Department’s greenhouse to select and grow native plant species used here at the center. During the winter the focus shifts to indoor duties and fabricating exhibits and artistic projects,” says Carla.

“I like the interaction with the public and like the other park naturalists I do nature presentations at nature summer camps, educational programs for grades k-12, present to home schooled individuals and groups, and develop and do adult programs like charter boat trips, kayak trips, family fossil hunts, nature hikes. I just started a hiking program where people bring their people- and pet-friendly pets on leash for walks through Watkins Regional Park,” says Carla.

Carla has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Maryland. She has been in her current position for four years. She received a fellowship from HSBC and Earthwatch in 2008, and participated in a week-long workshop at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center focusing on global and local climate change issues and research. Her knowledge of animal care came from working at a veterinarian practice.

“I really like my job as I have an opportunity to do something different every day, be creative, and get outside,” says Carla.

If you’re at Watkins Nature Center and see someone holding a turtle in one hand and a bird in the other, all the while talking to customers, chances are its Carla.

Learn more about M-NCPPC nature centers.