Curious about our Naturalists here at Wolf Ridge? This week’s NAT CHAT catches up with Lauren and Maria to learn more!

Lauren Kitrell

Hometown: Orono, MN
Graduate Naturalist

What is your favorite thing about being a naturalist?

I get to explore and share my love for the North Shore with others. Plus, I get to hang out outside all the day.

If you could live in any time in history when would it be?

Either 1491 in North America or somewhere in the west when the transcontinental railroad was being built.

Who is somebody famous that you have met? If you have not met anyone famous, who do you wish you could meet?

I had a brief encounter with Sherman Alexie last year. That was pretty cool. He’s an impressive person.

How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?

With music.

What food is the most fun to eat?

Cherries. It’s like a puzzle getting those pits out!

What musical instruments do you wish you could play? Why?

Electric guitar and cello. They resonate with my soul.

Maria Keeler

Hometown: Shoreview, MN
Graduate Naturalist

If you could live in any time in history when would it be?

I would like to experience pre-industrial history in a different cultural context.

Who is somebody famous that you have met? If you have not met anyone famous, who do you wish you could meet?

I’m hoping that someone I know will become famous. It could be you.

How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?

Music! The tone on my phone titled “slow coffee” serves as my initial alarm.

What food is the most fun to eat?

Vanilla bean ice cream: an enjoyable food to eat any time of day or night.

What musical instruments do you wish you could play? Why?

I wish that I could play bongos! I would play them incessantly and try to quietly work them into daily conversation.