Environmental Educator in Residence
Environmental educators increase public knowledge of Grand Canyon’s geology, plants, wildlife, ecosystems, and/or other environmental factors with a focus on sustainability and personal impact.
About the Program
This new residency track is designed to meet the growing need for environmental education in Grand Canyon National Park. In recent years, our park partners have faced increasing operational demands, requiring resources once dedicated to ranger-led programs to be redirected to more urgent priorities. As a result, gaps have emerged in public-facing educational programming.
This program, created in service to the Department of Interpretation and Resource Education, is intended to help fill that gap while expanding opportunities for environmentalists from all disciplines to engage with the public. Through innovative, fun, and dynamic programs offered throughout the park, residents will help visitors deepen their understanding of—and connection to—this extraordinary landscape.
Our environmental educators will increase public knowledge of Grand Canyon’s geology, plants, wildlife, ecosystems, and/or other environmental factors with a focus on sustainability and personal impact.
2026 Residencies
Sidney Rainey
Sidney Rainey is an environmental educator and conservationist with a passion for building climate resiliency in young people. He works to develop programming that empowers participants to dream up big ideas for a better climate future. Prior to his concentration in environmental education, Sidney served as a leadership and organization development consultant providing strategic planning and executive coaching to organizations including the EPA and the US Forest Service. While in residence, Sidney will facilitate interactive programs that explore the variety of ecosystems in the canyon, the threats endangered species currently face and the current state of water in Grand Canyon.
Keaton Vanderploeg
Keaton Vanderploeg is a naturalist, educator, and professional guide who has spent the past decade interpreting the geology, ecology, and history of Grand Canyon. Based in Flagstaff, he has led thousands of visitors along the South Rim. With a background in Life Sciences and History from Arizona State University, Keaton combines field experience with science communication to help visitors better understand and connect with the canyon’s landscapes. His work focuses on fostering curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. During his residency, Keaton will present programs on California condor recovery, fire ecology in ponderosa pine forests, and Grand Canyon’s diverse life zones.
Contact us for additional information
Clover Morell
Senior Residency Program Manager, Grand Canyon Conservancy
Dennis Alvarez
Residency Program Logistics Coordinator, Grand Canyon Conservancy