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River Bend Nature Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping people discover, enjoy, understand, and preserve the incredible natural world around us. River Bend has over 743 acres of land, ten miles of trails, and approximately 20,000 visitors annually. The River Bend Board is a group of 10-15 people with collective policy making authority.
Meet the River Bend Board here
Brad Bourn
Executive Director
Brad is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast. Prior to joining RBNC, Brad served as Vice President of Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and has served as a Commissioner on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for the last 12 years. Outside of his work with Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and the Minneapolis Park Board, Brad brings more than 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership with place-based organizations including connecting youth and underserved communities to the outdoors, arts, and other restorative experiences. He holds a master’s degree in nonprofit administration and also brings significant fundraising experience to the role.
Favorite Animal: his dog, Frank
Favorite Book: The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid by: Pat Garrett
Brittany Smith
Associate Director of Environmental Stewardship
Brittany is originally from Elgin, a small town in southeastern Minnesota. She attended Winona State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Ecology. Brittany served two years with Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa and worked five years with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. Her favorite part of being a naturalist is being able to share her experiences and teaching others about natural resources. Brittany and her husband reside in Northfield with their dog and cat. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with family, go hiking, and camping.
Favorite Animal: Timber Rattlesnake
Favorite Book: Nicholas Sparks Books
Katy Anderegg
Associate Director of Administration
Katy grew up in Madelia, MN, a small town southwest of Mankato. She has an Associate’s degree in Commercial and Technical Art from South Central College and a Bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Katy was a volunteer at the Minnesota Zoo for five years and had an internship working on the Minnesota and Tropics trails. She especially loved working with the sloths and porcupines. Her favorite part of being a naturalist is teaching others about nature and fostering an appreciation for the outdoors. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her husband, taking her dog on hikes, and wildlife watching.
Favorite Animal: Owls
Favorite Book: Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest
Molly Dulka
Associate Director of Programs and Engagement
Molly is originally from the Twin Cities, but lived in Chicago while attending Loyola University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. She has worked for multiple organizations such as Three Rivers Park District, City of Richfield’s Wood Lake Nature Center, and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation. Her favorite part of being a naturalist is getting people excited about being outdoors and learning about nature. She is currently attending Hamline University for a Masters of Education in Natural Science and Environmental Education. In her spare time, she likes to try new restaurants, go kayaking around the chain of lakes or hiking at state parks.
Favorite Animal: River Otter
Favorite Book: Harry Potter Series
Kate Ford
Program Naturalist
Kate grew up in Northfield spending most of her time running feral climbing trees and riding her bicycle. Spending time outside quickly became a passion. She holds a bachelor in Animal Ecology and Environmental Studies from Iowa State University and a Master of Science Education from Minnesota State University. She teaches biology part time at MSU and is a taxi driver for her children. Her favorite part of being a Naturalist is seeing how excited people get when they find or learn something new outside. In her free time, she likes to garden, read books and pet her kitties.
Favorite Animal: Cat
Favorite Book: How could anyone chose just one?! Historical fiction is currently my favorite
Matthew Johnson
Environmental Stewardship Coordinator
Matt grew up exploring River Bend while being raised in Faribault, Minnesota. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Matt has previously served as an intern and volunteer at River Bend. He enjoys being able to share his love and knowledge of nature with others. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, traveling and following the ups and downs (mostly downs) of Minnesota’s sports teams.
Favorite Animal: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Morgan Heier
Programs and Engagement Coordinator
Morgan grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota where she first discovered a love for animals and the natural world. She graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND with a degree in Biology Education. She moved to Minnesota to pursue a job as a middle school science teacher. After a few years of teaching she discovered the Naturalist field and has never looked back. Before coming to River Bend, she was a Naturalist for Dodge Nature Center, Lowry Nature Center in Three Rivers Park District, and Harriet Alexander Nature Center. Her favorite part about being a Naturalist is opening people's eyes to the beautiful intricacies in the natural world around them.
Favorite Animal: Hognose snake
Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Leah Inman
Program Naturalist
Leah has lived many places but primarily the midwest and Pacific Northwest. She first came to Minnesota as an intern naturalist at RBNC, and she settled down here in Faribault. She has worn many hats, including teaching college, high school, middle school, and naturalist programs. Leah is excited to be back at RBNC part time to lead the Little Sprouts program. When she's not busy raising her three kids, Leah loves to read, travel, take photos, explore nature, and go kayaking.
Favorite Animal: Hippopotamus
Favorite Book: My Antonia by Willa Cather
Julia Gates
Community Forestry Member
I grew up in Memphis, TN, but have lived in Minnesota for about 10 years. Rocks, specifically Peach Moonstone & Red Jasper, are my favorite part of life and River Bend Nature Center. When I’m not digging for rocks, I’m making jewelry with them. I am the artist/owner of CrystalsnJules where I make the signature crystal squiggle earrings and other crystal pieces. I chose to serve with AmeriCorps to mitigate climate change with a strong passion for tree conservation. With Ampact I feel incredibly motivated to fulfill the demands of our planet.
Favorite Animal: Deer
Favorite Book: The Lunar Chronicles
Dan Heinen
Community Forestry Member
Dan grew up in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where he spent a lot of time outdoors on his grandparents' farm. He attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, and graduated with a degree in aviation and history. He has worked for his local historical society and flies occasionally, but conservation with Climate Impact Corps is relatively new to him! He hopes to combine his interests in aviation and conservation into a unique career path, and he intends to learn more about conservation and forestry while serving at River Bend Nature Center.
Favorite Animal: Capybara
Favorite Book: All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Randy McMeekin
Community Forestry Member
Randy is serving his second Community Forestry Corps term at River Bend. Randy describes himself as an “art nerd and nature fan”.
Favorite Animal: Red Panda
Favorite Books: The "Discworld" series
Dennis Wilcox
Community Stewardship Facilitator
Dennis is an environmental scientist and a professional writer, filmmaker, and teacher. He applies his background and experience to successfully participate in and complete environmental initiatives and projects. Most recently he became a Minnesota Master Naturalist which includes training as a naturalist instructor. Dennis volunteers at River Bend and this year completed training as a Northfield Recycling and Composting Ambassador, a joint program of River Bend, the City of Northfield, and Carleton College. This is his second AmeriCorp position in climate and environmental action work on assignment with Ampact, having completed the other this summer with the Community Action Center of Northfield and Faribault. As a Community Stewardship Facilitator his goal is to continue his education and service in climate resilience and environmental citizen action to strengthen community awareness of these issues and contribute to putting into action the concept of Think Globally, Act Locally.
Favorite Animal: Bear
Favorite Book: The Plague by Albert Camus
Caitlin Juvland
Community Stewardship Facilitator
Caitlin attended the camps at River Bend when she was a kid and loves to spend her free time walking the trails. She has a background in creative writing, filmmaking, and has worked as a reading and writing tutor. She is most excited to learn more about environmental education during her Ampact service.
Favorite Animal: Raccoon
Favorite Book: Women's Bodies Women's Wisdom by Christiane Northrup M.D.