Melissa Scott Email and Phone Number

Skills and areas of expertise- Wilderness First Responder & Adult/Child CPR - NOLS Wilderness Medical Institute - Exceptional customer service- Creative photography & instruction- Innovative & educational tools and techniques- Effective communicator- Engaging & informative visual presentations- Highly organized and detail oriented- Creative problem solving- Sound judgement and risk assessment- “Leave No Trace” ethics and training- Thinks “outside the box” in developing new itineraries and programs- Addresses controversial topics in a non-confrontational mannerDestinations and TopicsCanada: - Quebec: Harp Seal ecology, Human history, General ecology and geology - Churchill, MB: Human history/culture, Arctic ecology - polar bears & beluga, Aurora Borealis - British Columbia: Grizzly & Kermode Bears, Marine mammals, Marine & terrestrial ecosystemsGreenland: Arctic ecology, glaciology, climate change, human history/cultureChina: Human history/culture, Panda ecology & conservation history, general ecologyMexico: Grey Whale ecology & conservation, desert ecology, Human history, GeologySvalbard: Polar bears, walrus and other pinnipeds, caribou/reindeer, arctic birds, sea ice, glaciologySouth Georgia and the Falkland Islands: marine mammal, bird, & landscape photographyPatagonia (southern Chile & Argentina): general ecology, geology, glaciationUS National Parks: Topic covered include ecosystem dynamics, marine ecology, wildlife ecology and issues, botany, geology, human history and culture, photography. Specific topics indicated below. - Glacier - Yellowstone, Grand Teton - Everglades, Biscayne, Dry Tortugas - Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Grand Staircase, Arches, Canyonlands, Death Valley, White Sands, Big Bend, Fort Davis, Guadalupe, Carlsbad Caverns - Mesa Verde & Chaco Canyon, Canyon de Chelly - San Juan Islands - Olympic

We specialize in custom travel for individuals or small groups. Tailor a trip to your particular interests and enjoy the expertise of knowledgeable guides who have been in the industry for 20+ years. You get to relax and truly enjoy your trip while learning about the area as well as leaving the driving/details to us!

Joseph Van Os has been a leader in photography expeditions for the past 40 years and I am honored to be leading trips for them. Learn from some of the best in the industry, enjoy the camaraderie of a small group of like minded travelers and choose from destinations all over the world!

New adventures are always just over the next rise . . . Truly enjoying leading some journeys for this local operator out of Bozeman, Montana! At the moment, I am guiding for them in a myriad of National Parks around the US. Check it out sometime!

Arctic ecosystems are fascinating and sharing that with others is truly an exceptional opportunity. In this position, I have been fortunate enough to offer insights to guests through lectures on topics of polar bears, whales, seals, and terrestrial flora/fauna of the Svalbard region as well as through hands on experiences via zodiac and hikes.

Backpacking, Rafting, Fly fishing, & Hiking Guide - Lead in-depth natural history day hikes- Plan itineraries and obtain necessary permits for extended 3, 4, 6 & 10 day backpacking trips- Prepare meals and equipment for extended wilderness excursions- Instruct clients in minimum impact backcountry travel skills- Prepare clients for potential safety issues including animal encounters

- Impart current information regarding the natural and cultural histories of the areas visited through casual in-field conversations- Develop and present hour long lecture-style Powerpoint presentations on varied topics related to specific destinations- Coordinate transportation, meals and evening presentations.- Ensure all aspects of client care - including safety and comfort.- Communicate Leave No Trace philosophies and ensure that the group is adhering to the ethics inherent in those ideals.- Coordinate activities with local tour guides and vendors as well as ensure that those interactions are consistent with Natural Habitat Adventures’ customer service expectations.- Develop new itineraries.- Develop new programs and continue to improve existing ones.- Train new staff.WWF Science Liaison- Act in concert with WWF-US Travel Program to gather current and relevant information concerning WWF programs around the globe specific to NHA destinations.- Manage this information on the NHA Expedition Leader Connection website so that our international team of leaders have access to the most up to date information on WWF programs in their regions- Act as a resource for Expedition Leaders around the world requesting information or WWF contacts specific to their area

Institute Instructor (Fall & winter seasons 2005 - 2007)- Lead in-depth natural history trips in the Yellowstone ecosystem incorporating hiking, skiing and snowshoeing excursions.- Create and teach program curriculum tailored to the participating groups, their ages, and requested topics including discussions on current or controversial issues within the National Park. - Assess risk and implement a safe educational experience for the participants while imparting to them the importance of visiting and viewing the ecosystem in an ethically responsible manner.Operations Manager (February 2004 – September 2004)- Recruited, trained, and supervised an annual volunteer staff of 20 individuals- Supervised and managed the Institute field campus- Arranged for routine and emergency maintenance of eight vehicles and two educational facilities. - Inventoried, maintained, and purchased equipment and supplies.- Managed Institute store including product selection, purchase and sales.- Served on an integrated risk management team.

Assistant Director - In addition to all regular naturalist duties, responsibilities included:- Training, supervision and scheduling staff members.- Trouble-shooting maintenance, food service, and emergency issues.- Inventory and purchase of program supplies.- Facilitating teacher planning sessions and working closely with school administrators.- Updating and organizing administrative documentation of program operations.- Development of a program resource manual for teachers.- Purchase, inventory and sales of school products.Naturalist- Taught aquatic and old growth forest ecology, Maidu and Plains Indian history, avian ecology, sensory awareness activities, wilderness survival, and team building exercises.- Developed and improved curriculum.- Trained and supervised high school students as volunteer cabin counselors.- Handled and cared for permanently injured raptors.- Conducted student outreach programs using live birds of prey.Project Leader: One Earth – One People (November 1997 and 2000)- Developed, promoted, and implemented a week-long international symposium for high school students.- Created original documentation for all aspects of program administration and operation.- Created daily activity schedule, recruited guest speakers, and supervised facility management.- Worked closely with school administrators and teachers to recruit and prepare student delegations.- Scheduled staff members and supervised volunteers in all areas of program implementation.Administrative Consultant (October 1998)- Assisted in writing and securing a state environmental education grant for the building and development of the Woodleaf Radin Raptor Center.- Wrote and compiled the Woodleaf Employee and Emergency Manuals.