Founder & Principal Environmental Educator

Heather is an environmental educator, naturalist, arborist, and municipal environmental professional with more than 25 years of experience in environmental science, stormwater management, urban ecology, and community engagement. Through Holley Ecology, she helps people of all ages discover and connect with the natural world through hands-on environmental education, nature journaling, community science, and outdoor exploration. Heather believes that meaningful conservation begins with curiosity and that nature can be found everywhere, from neighborhood streams and schoolyards to parks, backyards, and urban green spaces. 

Qualifications

• NC Environmental Educator

• NC Master Naturalist

• Project WET, Project WILD, & Project Learning Tree

• ISA Certified Arborist (FL-6317A)

• NC Envirothon Presenter

• Cornell University Civic Ecology Lab Urban Environmental Education 

• Chesapeake Urban Stormwater Professional 

• Certified GLOBE Educator

• NC Stream Watch Cohort

• NC Forest Service-Investigating Your Environment

• Surface Water Identification Training Certificate 

• STEM Educators for Equality and Diversity Fellow

• Environmental Science-Ecology, North Carolina State University

"I've spent my career helping communities understand and care for the natural systems that support them. As an environmental educator, naturalist, and stormwater professional, I'm passionate about connecting people with nature through curiosity, observation, and hands-on discovery. Whether we're exploring a creek, observing pollinators, documenting wildlife in a nature journal, or participating in community science, my goal is to help people find and appreciate the incredible biodiversity that exists right outside their doors."-Heather Holley

Operations & Administrative Coordinator 

Charles Holley brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in operations management, process improvement, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness. Throughout his career, he has led teams across manufacturing, engineering, and business operations environments, helping organizations improve efficiency, develop sustainable processes, and achieve strategic goals. At Holley Ecology, Chuck manages scheduling, bookkeeping, program logistics, and administrative operations while also assisting with educational programs and community events. His expertise in planning, organization, and continuous improvement helps ensure that Holley Ecology delivers high-quality programs and exceptional service to clients and communities throughout North Carolina. 

Qualifications

• More than 25 years of leadership and management experience in operations, engineering, and continuous improvement

• Independent consultant specializing in operational excellence, project management, and process improvement

• Former Operations Manager overseeing manufacturing, staffing, scheduling, and business performance improvements

• Extensive experience developing and delivering professional training, workshops, and coaching programs throughout the United States and internationally

• Expertise in project planning, resource management, scheduling, and organizational development

• Skilled in budgeting, performance measurement, strategic planning, and business process improvement

• B.S. Industrial Engineering, North Carolina State University

Environmental Education Assistant 

Haylen has been involved in environmental education, outreach, and community science activities for more than five years. She assists with educational programs, nature journaling workshops, community science initiatives, and special events throughout the year. Her experience includes participation in Moth Nights, Great Backyard Bird Count, Great Southeast Pollinator Census, macroinvertebrate identification, biodiversity observation, and nature journaling. Through her enthusiasm for nature and environmental stewardship, she helps create engaging and welcoming experiences for participants of all ages. 

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience assisting with environmental education programs & community events.

• Experienced participant and volunteer for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, Great Backyard Bird Count, and Moth Night 

• Trained in aquatic macroinvertebrate identification and stream ecology investigations 

• Nature Journaling

• Supports community science initiatives including biodiversity observations and species documentation 

• Knowledge of common birds, pollinators, aquatic organisms, and native wildlife of the North Carolina Piedmont