Embedded Files
Research
Effects of Thematic interpretive Day Camp programming on Children's Environmental Attitudes
(Thesis Research; September 2022-June 2024)
Conducted research on the effects of thematic interpretive programming on children's environmental attitudes
Planned and led two eight-day interpretive summer day camps developed using research-supported best practices for non-formal education programs (June & July 2023)
Surveyed participants on their environmental attitudes before and after the program and conducted interviews to identify attitude changes and effective techniques
Pre- and post-program surveys were compared using Wilcoxon Signed-ranks test
Interviews and educator memos were open coded to identify common themes
Presented findings at the Midwest Environmental Education Conference (November 2023), the Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium (January 2024), the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Great Lakes Regional Interpretive Workshop (March 2024), the NAI Heartland Regional Conference (April 2024), and to the public (April 2024).
Administering the Children's Environmental Perceptions Scale during the day camp program. Photo by Jim Buchholz.
Presenting thesis results to the public. Photo by Jim Buchholz.
vegetation analysis of the rouge river floodplain of the university of michigan-dearborn
(Undergraduate Research; September 2018-December 2020)
University of Michigan-Dearborn Floodplain Tree Inventory (September 2018-April 2019)
Identified and measured the circumference of all trees >30 cm in circumference or of novel species in the UM-Dearborn Environmental Study Area floodplain (September 2018-February 2019)
Calculated relative dominance and relative frequency for all species identified.
Presented findings at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Showcase in April 2019
Measuring a Northern Red Oak with Kate Truitt. Photo by Dr. Orin Gelderloos.
NSCIposter Gelderloos Res1.pdfResearch poster (Presented on April 19, 2019)
University of Michigan-Dearborn Floodplain Understory Vegetation Survey (May 2019-September 2019)
Part of UM-Dearborn Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) grant for 2019
Identified and estimated percent coverage of understory vegetation (herbaceous plants, mosses, saplings, etc.) in ten, 200-square meter quadrats in various locations in the floodplain
Measured and identified all woody plants >2 cm in diameter
Estimated coverage in 10 random 1-square meter sections of each quadrat
Correlated vegetation abundance and type to ground water levels
Presented findings at SURE Poster Session (September 2019)
Estimating ground cover abundance and composition. Photo by Kaitlyn Tatro.
SURE poster.pdfResearch Poster (Presented on September 23, 2019)
SURE Abstract.pdfAbstract for 2019 SURE poster.
University of Michigan-Dearborn Floodplain Inventory Analysis (September 2019-December 2020)
Combined analysis of data from Tree Inventory and Understory Vegetation Inventory
Additional analyses include soil composition analysis, groundwater level analysis
Presented research virtually through University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Arts, Science, and Letters (CASL) Virtual Undergraduate Research Presentation website (April 2020), Sigma Xi Virtual Student Scholars Symposium (May 2020), Sigma Xi Virtual Annual Meeting & Student Research Conference (November 2020), the Stewardship Network's 2021 Conference (January 2021), 2021 University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Symposium (April 2021), and University of Michigan-Dearborn Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Showcase (April 2021).
Co-awarded best undergraduate presentation in Ecology and Evolutionary Science category at 2020 Sigma Xi Virtual Annual Meeting & Student Research Conference
One of three winners of a $500 travel scholarship from 2021 University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract (1).docxAbstract for Floodplain Vegetation Analysis
Vascular Plant Analysis of Ecosystems on the Rouge River Flooplain of the University of Michigan-Dearborn G. Bray.pdfPoster for Sigma Xi Student Scholar Symposium (Presented on May 14, 2020)
Volunteer work
Interpreting a northern sedge meadow to attendees at the Moses Creek Meadows boardwalk grand opening ceremony. Photo by Sue MacKenzie
Bucking downed logs at Schmeeckle Reserve. Photo by Jim Buchholz.
Installing support posts for a viewing deck at Moses Creek Meadows. Photo by Jim Buchholz.
Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve (August 2022-August 2024)
Assist with maintenance and construction projects at Schmeeckle Reserve and other Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve properties
Lead interpretive tours for special events
Portage County Parks (July 2023-August 2024)
Planned and led interpretive programs on natural/cultural history topics in Portage county, WI; topics include: edible wild plants, wildfire ecology, spring birds, spring ephemeral wildflowers
Showing a blackberry patch to participants at an edible plant walk at Jordan County Park. Photo by Amanda Felk.
Livingston Land Conservancy (April-August 2022)
Designed and conducted migratory and breeding bird surveys on a grassland property managed by the Conservancy
Wrote a formal report of species present and management recommendations based on survey results
Eastern Bluebird eggs
Tree Swallow eggs
House Wren fledglings
Waste Management Nest Box Monitor (April-June 2022)
Monitored Eastern Bluebird and Wood Duck nest boxes at Eagle Valley Landfill and Orion Center
Recorded and submitted data to Waste Management employees
Became certified NestWatch nest monitor to help with 2022 monitoring
Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy (May 2019-July 2022)
Led public events on nature and the environment for the Conservancy
Helped plan initial 2020 program schedule (schedule modified due to COVID-19)
Planned and led programs for specialty group (e.g. scout groups, festivals) as a representative of GINLC
Showing attendees the difference between bumblebees and carpenter bees at the 2019 insect program. Photo by Lori Riopelle.
Discussing the history of Jack O' Lanterns at the 2020 "Nature of Halloween" program. Photo by Roberta Urbani.
Showing attendees Red Fox tracks at the 2022 "Birds of the Bay" program. Photo by Roberta Urbani.
Friends of the Rouge (2021)
Volunteered for ecological surveys and monitoring, including 2021 winter Stonefly search
Volunteered for workdays clearing log jams on the river
Sense-Sational Adventures in Summer Science (SASS) Camp (August 1-11, 2019)
Naturalist/camp counselor for SASS camp, sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
Led programming on soils, watersheds, and rain gardens for visually impaired children
Aided campers in gaining confidence and self-reliance
Drove camp staff to and from lodgings and activity locations
Presentations
2025
Caputo, P., Manier, H. (hosts), & Bray G.S (Guest). (2025, March 26). Dialogic Nature Guiding: Griffin Bray (No. 49). In What’s Up, Interpreters? National Association for Interpretation.
Bray, G.S. (2025, January 21). Explore, Teach, Conserve: The MN Master Naturalist Program [Virtual presentation]. Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club, Saint Paul, MN.
2024
Bray, G.S. (2024, December 6). Nature Guiding for the 21st Century [Conference presentation]. National Association for Interpretation 2024 national conference, St. Augustine, FL.
List, P., Somerville-Zamora, S., Patton, G., Brigham, J., & Bray, G.S. (2024, December 5). iNaturalist and Biodiversity Monitoring [Virtual panel discussion]. Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust.
Bray, G.S. (2024, November 16). Canids 101: Ecology of Minnesota's wild dogs [Conference presentation]. Minnesota Naturalists' Association Conference 2024, Hackensack, MN.
Rager, A., Strauss, A.L., Bray, G.S., & Wachter, B. (2024, September 10). A tour of Minnesota’s biomes [Conference presentation]. Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs 2024 National Conference, Bloomington, MN.
Bray, G.S. (2024, August 7). Bye bye Birch tree: Shifting ranges in the age of climate change [Virtual conference presentation]. 2024 National Association for Interpretation Interpretive Naturalists Section Conference.
Bray G.S. (2024, April 23). Effects of a thematic interpretive day camp program on children’s environmental attitudes [Public presentation]. Schmeeckle Reserve, Stevens Point, WI.
Bray, G.S., Franzen, R.L., & Anderson, L.E. (2024, April 3). Nature explorers: Effects of an interpretive day camp on attitudes [Conference presentation]. 2024 National Association for Interpretation Heartland Regional Conference, Council Bluffs, IA.
Bray, G.S., Franzen, R.L., & Anderson, L.E. (2024, March 20). Nature explorers: Effects of an interpretive day camp on attitudes [Conference presentation]. 2024 National Association for Interpretation Great Lakes Regional Interpretive Workshop, Ann Arbor, MI.
Bray, G.S., Franzen, R.L., & Anderson, L.E. (2024, January 13). Effects of a thematic interpretive day camp program on children’s environmental attitudes [Conference presentation]. Coalition for Education in the Outdoors 2024 Research Symposium, Black Mountain, NC.
2023
Buchholz, J.J., Ruether, M.M., Bray, G.S., & McCart, C.D. (2023, November 8). Compete in the 2023 wayside Olympics [Conference presentation]. National Association for Interpretation 2023 national conference, Little Rock, AR.
Bray, G.S. & Franzen, R.L. (2023, November 3). Nature explorers: Effects of an interpretive day camp on attitudes [Conference presentation]. 2023 Midwest Environmental Education Conference, La Crosse, WI.
Bray, G.S. (2023, August 9). Calls of the wild [Virtual conference presentation]. 2023 National Association for Interpretation Interpretive Naturalists Section Conference.
Bray, G.S. (2023, May 4). Calls of the wild [Virtual presentation]. National Association for Interpretation Interpretive Naturalists Trivia Night.
2022
Bray, G.S. & Gelderloos, O.G. (2022, May 11). Vascular plant analysis of ecosystems on the Rouge River floodplain of the University of Michigan-Dearborn [Poster presentation]. 2022 State of the Strait conference, Dearborn, MI.
2021
Bray, G.S. (2021, May 18). No bugs, no birds [Recorded presentation]. Lake Erie Water Festival, Monroe County, MI.
Bray, G.S. (2021, April 10). No bugs, no birds [Virtual presentation]. Michigan State University Science Festival, Lansing, MI.
Bray, G.S. & Gelderloos, O.G. (2021, April). Vascular plant analysis of ecosystems on the Rouge River floodplain of the University of Michigan-Dearborn [Recorded presentation]. University of Michigan-Dearborn Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Showcase, Dearborn, MI.
Bray, G.S. (2021, March 18). No bugs, no birds [Virtual presentation]. Tollgate Garden Volunteers and Supporters, Novi, MI.
Bray, G.S. & Gelderloos, O.G. (2021, April). Vascular plant analysis of ecosystems on the Rouge River floodplain of the University of Michigan-Dearborn [Virtual poster presentation]. 2021 University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Symposium, Ann Arbor, MI.
Gelderloos, O.G. & Bray, G.S. (2021, January 27). Vascular plant analysis of ecosystems on the Rouge River floodplain of the University of Michigan-Dearborn [Virtual poster presentation]. The Stewardship Network Conference.
2020
Bray, G.S. (2020, November 12). No bugs, no birds [Virtual presentation]. Master Gardeners Association of Wayne County, MI.
Bray, G.S. (2020, October). No bugs, no birds [Recorded presentation]. Rouge River Water Festival, Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Bray, G.S. & Gelderloos, O.G. (2020, November 2-6). Vascular plant analysis of ecosystems on the Rouge River floodplain of the University of Michigan-Dearborn [Virtual poster presentation]. Sigma Xi 2020 Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference.
Bray, G.S. and Gelderloos, O.G. (2020, May 14). Vascular plant analysis of ecosystems on the Rouge River floodplain of the University of Michigan-Dearborn [Virtual poster presentation]. Sigma Xi Virtual Student Scholars Symposium.
Gelderloos, O.G. & Bray, G.S. (2020, April). Vascular plant analysis of ecosystems on the Rouge River floodplain of the University of Michigan-Dearborn [Virtual presentation]. University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Arts, Science, and Letters Virtual Undergraduate Research Presentations, Dearborn, MI.
2019
Bray, G.S. and Gelderloos, O.G. (2019, September 23). Vascular plant composition and biodiversity of the Rouge River floodplain [Poster presentation]. University of Michigan-Dearborn 2019 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Poster Session, Dearborn, MI.
Bray, G.S. & Truitt, K. (2019, April 19). Trees, trees, trees: The composition of the canopy and sub-canopy trees of the Rouge River floodplain forest on the UM-D campus [Poster presentation]. University of Michigan-Dearborn Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Showcase, Dearborn, MI.
Presenting at the 2024 NAI Heartland Regional Workshop. Photo by Melissa Ruether.
Presenting at the 2024 NAI Great Lakes Regional Workshop. Photo by Craig Kasmer.
Presenting at the 2024 Coalition for Education in the Outdoors Research Symposium. Photo by Dr. Brad Daniels.
2023 NAI national conference presenters for the "Wayside Olympics."
articles & Publications
"Nature explorers: Affective learning in the great outdoors" - article in Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) MAEOEgram newsletter, Jan. 2025
"When nature calls: When, why and how to use calls in nature programs" - article in MAEOEgram newsletter, Aug. 2023
"Considering the cowbird or: How I learned to stop hating and appreciate the nest parasite" - article in MAEOEgram newsletter, Aug. 2022
Organizational Affiliations
National Association for Interpretation (2018-present) - Member; Member at large on NAI Young Professionals Council (2024 & 25); NAI Heartland region Awards Chair (2025-present); Member of NAI National Awards Committee (2024-present)
Minnesota Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (2024-present) - Member; Secretary/treasurer (2024-present)
Minnesota Naturalists' Association (2024-present) - Member
Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (2022-present) - Member; former student board member (2022-24)
Xi Sigma Pi National Forestry/Natural Resources Management Honor Society Alpha Xi Chapter (2023-present) - Member; former treasurer (2023-24)
Night Nature Alliance (2021-present) - Board member
Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education (2019-present) - Member
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