County Naturalist Encourages Locals to Get Outdoors

Aubrey Brown likes to joke that her entire personality revolves around nature. And that’s a good thing, because for the last six months, she’s served as the naturalist for Franklin and Wright County. 

Since taking the role last June, she’s made it her mission to encourage locals to get outdoors with programs like OWLS (Older, Wiser, Livelier Souls) and Knee-High Naturalists (for children). Regardless of their age, Brown believes all people can benefit from being outside. 

“Studies have shown that Vitamin D helps you stay happy,” she said. “Being outside also helps a lot of people with disabilities like Autism. It helps get them out of their bubble, especially when they’re overwhelmed. They can use their imagination. They aren’t confined by walls.” 

The best way to enjoy nature is to take a walk, she said. 

“Get outside and find something interesting, like a bird or plant,” she said. “Then look it up when you get home. We are more likely to take care of things when we know what they are.”  

And if you have trouble walking, you can always sit in nature, she said. 

Brown, 27, is originally from California. After graduating from high school in the Golden State, she decided to give Iowa a try, as her parents had moved here. So she enrolled in classes at Iowa State University, where she found a passion for learning about the environment through a basic ecology class. She enjoyed the class so much that she decided to major in it. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology of agricultural and life sciences in December of 2022. 

After graduating from college, she served in the Green Iowa AmeriCorps for several years before going for the naturalist job with Franklin and Wright County. Franklin County Conservation Director Ned Parker said the county was eager to find a naturalist for the area, as they hadn’t had one in years. 

“We haven’t had a dedicated Naturalist for many years, and felt that was something that the community was missing,” Parker said. “Environmental education is very important to myself and the board so when Wright County had an opening also, I reached out to them and fortunately we were able to work out an agreement to create the position.”

Parker agreed with Brown about the importance of getting people outdoors. 

“Research shows many benefits to time spent outside including reduced stress, anxiety, and a greater connection with nature,” Parker said. “Having a naturalist to bring nature indoors to community groups or to guide them on hikes or public programs exposes people to new places, animals, experiences, and memories that we hope will foster lifelong appreciation of our natural world. Aubrey is very enthusiastic about getting out into the community for more programs, so we encourage people to reach out to her if they would be interested in her presenting their group or for a field trip.”

To contact Brown about speaking to a group or coordinating a field trip, email naturalist.franklin.wright@gmail.com.