Each year the Director of the Natural Lands chooses several students to be the college Student Naturalists. Student Naturalists are responsible for the following:
-Attending formal training events each week to learn about Minnesota’s natural history
-Design, organize, and carry out a year-long project connecting the public to the Natural Lands and natural history
-Organizing and leading field trips for various St. Olaf and community groups
-Creating environment educational opportunities for the community.
-Maintaining a social media presence to interest and engage the St. Olaf and Northfield communities
If you are interested in working as a Student Naturalist, check the St. Olaf student employment job board for open positions. We typically hire for the upcoming school year late in the spring and openings are usually posted at the beginning of Spring semester.
- Visit our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stolafnaturallands/
- Visit our Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stolafnaturallands/
The Student Naturalists for the 2025-2026 year are: Lilly Pihart (’26), Sylvia Sandhorst (’27), Abby Sikora, and Kiran Tator (’27).
Lilly Pihart (she/her): I am a senior from Hopkins, Minnesota, double-majoring in Studio Art and Environmental Studies with a concentration in Education. My work and interests center on the connections between art, the environment, and outdoor education. I spend much of my time in the St. Olaf Natural Lands and enjoy exploring prairies and parks around Northfield. I love outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and creating eco-art as a way to connect with the places I inhabit. My passion for exploration and nature is something I share with my family, and together we’ve spent countless years adventuring through National and State Parks. I look forward to continuing to work in the Natural Lands, teaching and learning about St. Olaf’s natural history.
Sylvia Sandhorst (she/her): Hello, hello! I’m a junior biology major, and I’m originally from Decorah, IA! I spent the summer working as the naturalist and a guide at a camp right on the edge of the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota, where I got to paddle, portage, explore waterfalls, swim, eat wild blueberries, and practice skipping rocks. My favorite part though was getting to know the plants and animals of the Boreal forest and sharing what I learned with the people who came to camp! And after a summer in the woods, I am so happy to be back in the prairie!! I LOVE spending time outside doing just about anything, and you’ll probably see me wandering around if you spend much time in the Natural Lands. I’m super excited to explore the great outdoors with you all this semester!
Abby Sikora (she/they): Heyy! I’m Abby (she/they), and I am a sophomore with a double major in history and environmental studies. I’m from St. Paul and absolutely love the outdoors! Over the summer, I was a trail guide leading backpacking and canoe trips, which meant I got to spend lots of time in the woods, swimming, and watercoloring! This year, I’m so excited to learn more about the natural environment and biodiversity around St. Olaf!
Kiran Tator (they/them): Hey there! I’m a junior from California studying studio art and environmental studies, and I’m incredibly passionate about the intersection of the two. I’ve always loved camping, hiking, and backpacking. The Natural Lands are by far my favorite thing about St. Olaf; I am a Heath Creek regular. I’m looking forward to bringing Oles closer to nature. I care a lot about helping others discover the intricate beauty of the natural world and to take time to find the details we often overlook. My drive to protect the environment stems from this passion. I want to learn as much as I can and I’m enthusiastic to share what I find out with all of you this year!
For more information on the Student Naturalist position at St. Olaf College, contact Director of Natural Lands Charles Umbanhowar (ceumb@stolaf.edu).
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