Guiding Others To the Ways of Nature
We are Naturalists/Ecologists with a mission. Since our founding in 1980, Earth Spirit staff has sought to share our lifelong passion for Nature with others. Our programs have served as a mechanism for reaching out to schools, community groups and the general public instilling in others a sense of connection to the gifts and lessons of Nature. For over 45 years, these programs have enabled us to plant many “seeds” in the hearts and minds of those who have experienced our work. We have guided others gently and directly through Nature’s classroom so that they may know how their lives and well-being are interwoven with and inseparable from the natural world. This sense of sharing and guidance has always been our mission and those who have joined our Family through the decades, and those who follow us, will continue this good work… to educate and awaken others to the ways and wonders of Nature.
Earth Spirit’s work touches the lives of thousands of individuals each year from a diverse array of locations, populations, ages, and backgrounds. We don’t discriminate, we welcome all and work to instill a love of Nature in every student we see. Our programs, both directly and indirectly, have impacts on individual’s understanding of ecology, biology, historical perspectives, environmental justice, and more.
Earth Spirit Staff
Sanford Geffner: Co-Founder/Director
Jonathan Roth: Director of Education & Development (NYS DEC Licensed Guide #10052)
Tori Miller: Naturalist Educator/Intern Coordinator
Earth Spirit Interns
Beth Pawlikowski: University at Buffalo
Tehya Shaw: University at Buffalo
Matthew Mikulec: Canisius University
Earth Spirit Excursions
Joseph Allen: Wilderness Trip Leader
Russ Crispell: Wilderness Trip Leader/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (NYS DEC Licensed Master Guide #4082)
Stephen Hagenbuch: Assistant Wilderness Trip Leader
Janelle Price: Assistant Wilderness Trip Leader
In addition, Earth Spirit is fortunate to have had many independent teachers and naturalists work with us bringing assistance and expertise in numerous environmental specialties.
Earth Spirit Board of Directors
Richard Kingston: President
Julia Benton: Secretary/Membership Committee Chair
Tripp Higgins: Treasurer
Cliff Borchert: Fundraising Committee Chair
Joseph Allen: Excursions Chair
Bill Michalek: Grants Committee Chair
Terry Belke: Director
Steve Schultz: Director
Jenn Lodi-Smith, PhD: Director
*our next board meeting will be held on November 10, 2026 at the Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center