Alyssa Johnson

Driven by her passion for the outdoors, Alyssa takes pride in engaging anyone and everyone in learning about the natural, geological, and cultural history of the Finger Lakes. She also highly values the intersection of Access, Inclusion, and Belonging within outdoor recreation and environmental conservation and makes it a priority in her work. After obtaining her education from both Finger Lakes Community College (Natural Resource Conservation) and SUNY Cobleskill (Wildlife Management), Alyssa traveled the country in pursuit of working in the field of wildlife management and environmental education. Internships and seasonal jobs brought her to Alaska, the Florida Keys, Alabama, and around New York State getting to work in some of the most picturesque areas with amazing wildlife. She has worked both with state and federal agencies including the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as non-profits including the National Audubon Society and the Finger Lakes Museum.

On weekends, Alyssa offers private birding tours, guided hikes, and waterfall excursions in the Finger Lakes region under the handle “The Bare Handed Naturalist” via Airbnb Experiences.  When she’s not working, you’ll still find Alyssa enjoying the outdoors birding, camping, hiking with her dogs and fiancé, or just swinging in a hammock!