Meet the Team
Meghan Ballard - Chair
Meghan Ballard grew up in Central Pennsylvania until moving to the Willamette Valley in high school. She graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus in Geology and has completed graduate level coursework in Environmental Education. She has more than fifteen years of experience in environmental education engaging K-12 science classes in stream and wetland restoration projects. She has worked for SOLVE, The Wetlands Conservancy, and Friends of Tryon Creek State Park. She is currently a freelance environmental educator with the Grande Ronde Model Watershed Council's Community Science Project, a teaching artist with Art Center East, a Cub Scouts Den Leader, and a branch ambassador for Union County Hike It Baby. In her spare time she likes taking her two boys outside, sewing, and hiking with her dog.
Meghan Ballard grew up in Central Pennsylvania until moving to the Willamette Valley in high school. She graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus in Geology and has completed graduate level coursework in Environmental Education. She has more than fifteen years of experience in environmental education engaging K-12 science classes in stream and wetland restoration projects. She has worked for SOLVE, The Wetlands Conservancy, and Friends of Tryon Creek State Park. She is currently a freelance environmental educator with the Grande Ronde Model Watershed Council's Community Science Project, a teaching artist with Art Center East, a Cub Scouts Den Leader, and a branch ambassador for Union County Hike It Baby. In her spare time she likes taking her two boys outside, sewing, and hiking with her dog.
Ben Walker - Treasurer
Ben Walker grew up in Pennsylvania, received his B.S. from Penn State University in Environmental Resource Management, and moved out to Montana soon afterwards to work on trails for the US Forest Service in the Scapegoat Wilderness. He accepted a permanent recreation position with the USFS on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska in 2005, moved to Ukiah, OR in 2016, and on to the La Grande Ranger District in 2019 as the recreation specialist. He currently lives with his wife, Mary, and enthusiastic daughter, Vivian, in Island City, and gets outside with them and their old Labrador, Skeena, and young redbone hound, Red, on outdoor adventures as often as possible. He is fascinated by the natural world, and loves learning about plant and animal communities and sharing those wonders with Vivian.
Ben Walker grew up in Pennsylvania, received his B.S. from Penn State University in Environmental Resource Management, and moved out to Montana soon afterwards to work on trails for the US Forest Service in the Scapegoat Wilderness. He accepted a permanent recreation position with the USFS on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska in 2005, moved to Ukiah, OR in 2016, and on to the La Grande Ranger District in 2019 as the recreation specialist. He currently lives with his wife, Mary, and enthusiastic daughter, Vivian, in Island City, and gets outside with them and their old Labrador, Skeena, and young redbone hound, Red, on outdoor adventures as often as possible. He is fascinated by the natural world, and loves learning about plant and animal communities and sharing those wonders with Vivian.
Donna Rainboth
Donna Rainboth was born and raised in eastern Oregon. She received her
Masters in Science Education from Oregon State University. She has 30+ years
of experience in environmental and science education including secondary
science teaching, curriculum development, Assistant Professor of Education at
Eastern Oregon University and serving as the director for the Greater Oregon
STEM Hub. She retired from Eastern Oregon University in August 2021 but
continues to work with the La Grande School District as the STEM Coach.
Recently Donna received the 2022 Fred Fox Distinguished Service to Science
Education Award from the Oregon Science Teachers Association. The award
honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to mentoring and
developing new teachers. In her spare time, she can be found in the garden,
engaging in multiple different fiber arts endeavors or traveling with her
husband.
Josh Brohannan
bio coming soon
Lanny Flaherty - Secretary
bio coming soon
Donna Rainboth was born and raised in eastern Oregon. She received her
Masters in Science Education from Oregon State University. She has 30+ years
of experience in environmental and science education including secondary
science teaching, curriculum development, Assistant Professor of Education at
Eastern Oregon University and serving as the director for the Greater Oregon
STEM Hub. She retired from Eastern Oregon University in August 2021 but
continues to work with the La Grande School District as the STEM Coach.
Recently Donna received the 2022 Fred Fox Distinguished Service to Science
Education Award from the Oregon Science Teachers Association. The award
honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to mentoring and
developing new teachers. In her spare time, she can be found in the garden,
engaging in multiple different fiber arts endeavors or traveling with her
husband.
Josh Brohannan
bio coming soon
Lanny Flaherty - Secretary
bio coming soon