2025-2026 Natural Lands Technicians

The Natural Lands Technicians for the 2025 year are: Ry Klassen (’26), Emma Coen-Pesch (’26), Jack Maurer (’26), Taariq Ismail (’26), Shea McDonald (’27), Josaphine Nguyen, Alice Wagner-Hemstad (’28), Josh Stanton (’26), Cyd Lloyd (’26), Cy Hennings, Ella Landis, Adam Broga (’28), Leo Benson, Sila Lilljedahl (’27), Owen Stefanich, Yanchen Tamang, and Jenna Graff.

Ry Klassen (they/he): What’s up gamers? My name is Ry and I am a senior Biology and Sociology/Anthropology major from Rochester, MN. After spending my freshman summer working in the Natural Lands for CURI, I’ve been pursuing outdoor work/lands management and feel lucky to get to do so at Olaf! As a Tech, I’ve enjoyed falling into Heath Creek, harvesting meadow anemone, and practicing birding skills. My favorite plant in the Natural Lands is White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba) and my favorite activity is stargazing! One fun fact about me is I have a Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) that I taxidermied in my dorm room.

Shea McDonald (she/her): Hi! My name is Shea and I’m from Rush City, Minnesota. I’m a Junior Biology and Environmental Studies major with a passion for the outdoors. This is my first year working as a natural lands technician and I have learned so much already! I love being active outdoors during all seasons by doing manual labor, snowboarding, or going for a casual hike with my dog. Last summer I worked as an aquatic invasive species inspector around the Chisago county area. I learned so much from that experience and I hope to continue to find my passion this year. I hope to see you out in the natty lands!🤘

Emma Coen-Pesch (she/her): Hello! My name is Emma Coen-Pesch and I’m a Music and Environmental Studies (Natural Science) major. I love being outside, I love spending time with wonderful people and I also love manual labor, these three passions intertwine for me as a Natural Lands Technician which is why I’m back for my third year in this position. Last summer I worked as a trail guide for youth in the BWCA and Quetico and I loved it! I have a passion for wilderness travel and youth development. I’m excited to continue maintaining the wonderful natural space we have on campus for myself and other students, staff and community members to enjoy and learn from!

Jack Maurer (he/him): Hey there, I’m Jack Maurer, a senior from Madison, WI double-majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies (Natural Science). This will be my third year working in the Natural Lands as a tech, and I’m excited to further contribute to its conservation this school year! I just finished up a restoration ecology internship with the WI DNR, Ice Age NST, and other conservation groups in South Central WI, and am excited to continue to expand my knowledge of land management in the NL. I hope you’ll take some time to explore it this year!

Adam Broga (he/him): My name is Adam and I’m going into my sophomore year, majoring in Environmental Studies (Nat Sci emphasis). I love mountain biking, hiking, downhill skiing, and all things outdoors! Some of my other hobbies include photography and reading. I’ve worked similar outdoor jobs before, but this is my first time working in the Natural Lands.

Sila Liljedahl: Hello! My name is Sila and I am a junior from St. Paul. I’m majoring in environmental studies with concentrations in nordic studies and education! I spent lots of time growing up walking in the woods along the Mississippi River and paddling around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which has filled me with lots of love for Minnesota and the beautiful nature that we have here. When I’m not in the Natural Lands I like to sing, make art, and dilly dally. My second home is in Ely, MN, where I’ve worked the past few summers at a family camp teaching art, working outside and learning about the northwoods with kids and families. I will be spending this fall at the Oregon Extension, and I’ll be back in the spring for my second year as a tech! Yay!

Alice Wagner-Hemstad (She/Her): Hello! My name is Alice and I am a sophomore majoring in Biology and Environmental studies. I’m from St. Paul, MN. I enjoy spending time outside, gardening, and exploring new outdoor spaces. I’m also on the Track and Field team at St. Olaf! I care about the environment and am excited to continue contributing to the preservation of the natural lands and ecosystems at St. Olaf!

Josaphine Nguyen (She/Her): I’m majoring in Bio and Environmental Studies! A couple fun facts about me are that I’m a triplet, my favorite movie is Clue, and my favorite animal is a Prairie-Chicken!

Taariq Ismail: I am a senior majoring in economics (I know right, what am I doing  in the natural lands?!). Despite that, I enjoy learning about the environment and I love working outdoors. The St. Olaf Natural Lands is one of my favourite spots on campus, and I’m excited to spend more time there this year. Overall this will be my second semester working as a Natural Lands technician. A fun fact about me is that I am also an international student from South Africa.

Cyd Lloyd: Hi! I’m Cyd. I’m a senior Studio Art Major, and this is my second year working in the natural lands. I grew up in southern Idaho, and some of my favorite activities include rock climbing, painting, thrifting, and sewing

Anna Edstrom (she/her): I am a sophomore Environmental Studies (social science) major with an Education concentration. I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I love bejng outside, spending time with my friends, and painting! My favorite native plant is Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.).