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About Zack |
Zackery Zdinak, a lifelong naturalist, has been presenting education and naturalist
programs since graduating West Virginia University in 1980 with a BS in Wildlife
Management. He nurtured a love of wildlife and Nature as a child catching frogs and
snakes in Connecticut, later as wildlife biologist with US Fish & Wildlife, National
Forest and Park Services in Utah and Arizona.
In 1998 he founded Life Drawing & Education, a company offering products and services for
informal
educators and interpreters (environmental education, interpretation and science inquiry programs, interpretive writing, retail wildlife art, custom media design). He has designed, illustrated and/or managed
interpretive media projects for parks, campgrounds, arboretum and many other clients
in several states. His wildlife art has been published in magazines and books, and
sold nation wide in the USA and Canada. You can view selected media designs and satisfied clients on the Custom Illustration, Interpretive and Design Services pages (click here).
Education clients and venues where Zack has taught have included Bio-regional Outdoor Education Project, Family Summits Inc., Museum of Northern Arizona,
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, Flagstaff Festival of Science, Elderhostel,
National Forest and Park Service sites, public schools, and others (see
below). He even presented for the Interpretation Network New Zealand! Learn more about programs offered and Zack's training on the Environmental Education & Nature Programs pages (click here).
When not drawing or presenting, Zack roams the back roads, trails, rivers, and canyons
of the western states and points beyond. He draws and gardens and lives in Flagstaff,
Arizona.
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| Notable Workshop Programs & Trainings |
February 4, 2011, Pinetop, Arizona
“Effective Signage Enhances Public Awareness and Wildlife Education", Joint Conference of AZ & NM Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Pinetop, AZ
October 3, 2010, Buffalo, New York
“Helping Informal Educators Make Connections with Inquiry” A hands-on session on how to design informal education programs to include science inquiry education methods. Presented at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) conference.
July 13 & 20, 2010, Flagstaff, Arizona
"Pros & Cons of Scientific Illustration" Interactive exploration of the advantages of hand rendered art and graphics in science. Presented to the students of e-GIRLS (e-tools for Girls Investigating Real Life Sciences), NEXUS Math/Science project, at Northern Arizona University.
March 20 & 21, 2010, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"Engaging Classroom Science Centers for the Young Learners, K-1" and
"Notebooking: Scientific Illustrations with Kindergartners", co-presented with Andrea Andretta at the National Science Teachers Association conference.
Sept. 12, 2009, Rotarua, New Zealand
“Interpretive Signage Goes American Idol”
Instruction on the basics of wayside sign design using satire of TV show. Presented at "Some Like It Hot" joint conference of Interpretive Network of New Zealand and Interpretation Association of Australia.
March 7-8, 2009, Blanding, Utah
"Guided Inquiry: Nature Observation & Drawing with Kindergarteners"
and "Bird of Prey: Predator Scene Investigator"
How to set up and facilitate Inquiry Science Method lessons. Presented at the
Bioregional Outdoor Education Project Conference, Four Corners School of Outdoor Education, College of Eastern Utah.
February 28, 2009, San Diego, California
"Adapting Interp for Quality Senior Interpretive Moments"
Interactive review of population statistics, practical site and program changes needed for anticipated increase in visitors and employees over 60 years of age (Baby Boomers) presented at the 2009 NAI Region 8 Workshop, San Diego Museum of Natural History.
October 18, 2008, Albuquerque, New Mexico
“Kindergarten Inquiry and Formative Assessment”, How to impliment Inquiry Method and Formative Assessments in pre-school curriculum, co-presented with Andrea Andretta at New Mexico Science Teachers Association (NMSTA) Workshop, University of New Mexico.
September 20, 2008, Camp Verde, Arizona
“How to Design & Conduct Investigative Nature Programs”, a hand-on demonstration for adjusting informal education programs to include science inquiry methods. Arizona Association for Environmental Education workshop at Montezuma Castle National Monument outdoor picnic area (with a din of cicadas overhead!).
May 5-6, 2008, Flagsgtaff, Arizona
"Interpretation for Educators", co-taught with Roy Simpson, National Park Service.
Twelve hour training on interpretive program development: goals, transitions, Tildens's principles, themes, multiple intelligences, analogies, universal concepts, and group practice.
Sponsored by Arizona Association for
Environmental Education and Life Drawing & Education at the Willow Bend Environmental Education Center.
Feb. 28 - March 2, 2008, Peoria, Grand Canyon and Flagstaff, Arizona
“Interpretive Signage Goes American Idol”
Assistanted visiting interpreter Ken Porteous (Manitoba Parks, Winnipeg, Canada) with
instruction of wayside sign design using a game show satire. I managed his schedule of three presentions at NAI Region 5 Workshop at Lake Pleasant, Grand Canyon National Park and Museum of Northern Arizona. Sponsored by Life Drawing & Education.
July 5-10, 2007, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Presented 15 nature awareness programs on local wildlife, population growth and bird watching for Family Summits Inc., at their weeklong family nature camp in the Smokey Moutains.
April 14, 2007, Dickinson, North Dakota
"Interpreting Permaculture and Gardening" adapted Joseph Cornell activities,
and "Handling Difficult People" facilitated round table discussion at the NAI Region 5 Workshop.
October 6, 2006, White Point, Nova Scotia, Canada
"Hoo-Hoo-Hoo Goes there!?" Outdoor program for roving attendees during the evening Lantern Festival at the "Salt of the Earth" joint confernece of Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) and Interpretation Canada on the grounds of White Point Beach Resort.
August 8 & 30, 2006, Flagstaff, Arizona
"Everybody Counts" and "Material World" human population activities training for
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center's new staff, conducted in a biology class at Flagstaff High School.
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| Clients and Venues of Presentations |
These range from environmental education programs like Project WET to scientific illustration, bird walks to custom interpretive nature slide shows in campgrounds and conducting interpretive and science inquiry trainings. A full or selected list of program details are available upon request.
• Public Lands Interpretive Association, Kaibab National Forest, Williams, AZ
• White Mountain Wildlife & Nature Center, Pinetop, AZ
• Kaibab National Forest, Williams, AZ
• Bushmaster Park, Flagstaff, AZ
• Science Experience, Cochise Community College, Sierra Vista, AZ
• Buffalo Park, Flagstaff, AZ
• Joint Conference of AZ & NM Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Pinetop, AZ
• North American Association for Environmental Education, Buffalo, New York
• Flagstaff Gymnastics Center, Flagstaff, AZ
• eGIRLS, Nexus Program, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
• Arizona Association for Environmental Education Conference, Flagstaff, AZ
• National Science Teachers Association, Philladelphia, PA
• Northern Arizona Audubon Society, Flagstaff & Sedona, AZ
• White Mountains Audubon Society, Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ
• Morman Lake Lodge, Mormon Lake, AZ
• NAI National Workshop, Hartford, CT
• Interpretive Network of New Zealand, Rotarua, New Zealand
• Sander Street School, Athol, MA
• Bioregional Outdoor Education Project, Blanding, UT
• NAI Region 8 Workshop, Museum of Natural History, San Diego, CA
• Arizona Association for Environmental Education, Camp Verde, AZ
• Family Summits Inc., Black Mountain, NC
• Flagstaff Sustainabilty Fair, Ft. Tuthill County Fairgrounds, Coconino County, AZ
• NAI Region 8 Workshop, Desert Outdoor Center, Lake Pleasant Reg. Park, Peoria, AZ
• Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival, Cottonwood, AZ
• Teen Maze, Coconino County Health Department, Flagstaff, AZ
• NAI National Workshop, Witchita, KS
• Child Discovery, Goodsend Recreation Center, Centennial, CO
• Walnut Hills Elementary School, Centennial, CO
• NAI Region 5 Workshop, Dickinson, ND
• Yavapai Elderhostel, Grand Canyon Caverns, Peach Springs, AZ
• Land Between the Lakes Nat. Rec. Area, Golden Pond, KY
• "Salt of the Earth", joint National Conference of Canadian Network for
Environmental Communication and Education (EECOM), Interpretation Canada (IC), and
Nova Scotia Environmental Network, White Point, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Flagstaff High School, Flagstaff, AZ
• Northern Arizona Audubon Society, Flagstaff, AZ
• Family Summit 2006, National Wildlife Federation, Snowbird, UT
• Marshall Magnet Elementary School, Flagstaff, AZ
• Upward Bound Program, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
• Grand Canyon Middle School, Grand Canyon Village, AZ
• Fedonia Middle School, Fredonia, AZ
• Moccosin Grade School, Moccosin, AZ
• Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy, Flagstaff, AZ
• Flagstaff Festival of Science, Flagstaff, AZ
• Flagstaff Public Library, Flagstaff, AZ
• Athol Bird and Nature Club, Athol, MA
• Silver Lake School, Athol, MA
• Earth Day Festival, Wheeler Park, Flagstaff, AZ
• Yuma Birding & Nature Festival, Yuma, AZ
• Flagstaff Montessori School, Flagstaff, AZ
• Willow Bend Env. Education Center, NRCD, Flagstaff, AZ
• Thomas Elementary School, Flagstaff, AZ
• Kaibab National Forest, Williams, AZ
• Williams Middle School, Williams, AZ
• Leave No Trace, Bushmaster Park, Flagstaff, AZ
• Jump Start Program, Francis Short Pond, Flagstaff, AZ
• Cromer Elementary School, Flagstaff, AZ
• Sechrist Elementary School, Flagstaff, AZ
• Coconino Parks & Recreation Department, Kachina Village, AZ
• Leupp Public School, Leupp, AZ
• Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ
• Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff, AZ
• Yavapai Elderhostel, Yavapai College, Prescott, AZ
• Arches National Park, Moab, UT
• Moab Elementary School, Moab, UT
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| My Education & Training |
Professional development, trainings, conferences, tours, lectures, University classes and degree that have all contributed to my understanding of nature, interpretation and education.
2011
• Joint Conference of AZ & NM Chapters of The Wildlife Society, Pinetop, AZ
2010
• North American Association for Environmental Education, Buffalo, NY
• Audubon Round Up, Saguaro Lake Ranch, AZ
• Arizona Association for Environmental Education Conference, Flagstaff, AZ
• National Science Teachers Association, Philladelphia, PA
• Parks & Rec. online class, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
2009
• Bioregional Outdoor Education Project, Blanding, UT
• NAI Region 8 Workshop, San Diego, CA
• Sharing Nature Workshop, San Diego, CA
• "Some Like It Hot!" Conference of the Interpretive Network of New Zealand, Rotarua, New Zealand
2008
• Inquiry Education Method Training (35 hrs), Connecticut Science Center, Stamford, CT
• Formative Assessment Training (35 hrs), Connecticut Science Center, East Hartford, CT
• 2008 World Expo, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain.
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“Spicing Up Interpretation”, NAI Region 8, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Peoria, AZ
2007
• Inquiry Education Method (7 hrs) and Understanding By Design (7 hrs), Center for Teacher Success (formerly Arizona Foundation for Resource Education), Flagstaff, AZ
• Family Summits Inc., Black Mountain, NC
• Joybee Tours and Steve Devine Tours, Galapagos National Park, Ecuador
• NAI Region 5 Workshop, Dickinson, ND
• Richard Louv lecture, Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ
2006
• "Salt of the Earth", joint National Conference
of Canadian Network for Environmental Communication and Education (EECOM), Interpretation
Canada (IC), and Nova Scotia Environmental Network
at White Point, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Family Summit, National Wildlife Federation, Snowbird, UT
• Arizona Association for Environmental Education (AAZEE), Montezuma Well Picnic Area, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp
Verde, AZ
• NAI Region 4 Workshop, Holland, MI
• Christopher Howard, motivational workshop, San Jose, CA
• NAI Region 8, Red Rock Canyon (BLM), NV
• The Wildlife Society, AZ/NM Chapter Conference, Flagstaff, AZ
• “Our Places Tell Stories” interpretive workshop, UNLV, Las Vegas, NV: Meaning Making
(Sam Ham); Planning Interp Media (David Guine, NPS); Problem Audiences
2005
•Project WET: Discover A Watershed training, Durango, CO
•Sharing Nature Workshop with Joseph Cornell, Prescott Nat. Forest,
AZ
•Sharing Nature Workshop with Joseph Cornell, Dersert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix
2004
•Natural Resource History lectures, Riordan State Historic Park, Flagstaff, AZ
•The Wildlife Society, AZ/NM Chapter Conference, Safford, AZ
•NAI Region 6 Workshop, Blue Springs, MO
•NAI Region 5 Workshop, Nebraska City, NE
•NAU Region 1 Workshop, Fairlee, VT
•Yuma Birding & Nature Festival, Yuma, AZ
•Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival, Cottonwood, AZ
•Environmental Sustainability lecture (Hunter Lovins) NAU, Flagstaff, AZ
•Calvin Terrell, Social Centric Training & Consulting, Diversity Training, Flagstaff,
AZ
•Arizona Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) Annual Workshop, Payson,
AZ
2003
•Leave No Trace workshop, Flagstaff, AZ
•Utah Trails and Pathways Conference, St. George, UT
•NAI National Workshop, Reno, NV
•Arizona Association for Environmental Education (AAEE), Flagstaff, AZ
1997-2000
•The Wildlife Society, AZ/NM Chapter Meeting, Sierra Vista, AZ
•NAI National Workshop, Tucson, AZ
•NAI Region 6 Workshop, Oklahoma City, OK
•Project Learning Tree, Enviromental Education Library, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
•Project WILD, Flagstaff, AZ
•Project WET: Native Fish, Arizona Game & Fish Dept., Flagstaff, AZ
•Watchable Wildlife Conference, Casper, WY
•Western Region Interpretive Skills Training (WRIST), NAI, Colorado Springs, CO
•Sam Ham workshop, Albright Training Center, Grand Canyon, AZ
1980
•Wildlife Management B.S.,WVU, Morgantown, WV
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