Aaron Leifheit, a central Illinois native, grew up exploring the forests of Illinois and was lucky to have a family that took yearly camping trips ‘Out West.’ These experiences helped him develop a passion for protecting nature and sharing outdoor places with others.

During college at the University of Illinois, Aaron was nominated for Teaching Assistant of the year, and won the River Management Societies’ yearly award for student research. After graduating with a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Aaron relocated in 2005 to Boulder City to work as Environmental Education AmeriCorps with the National Park Service at Lake Mead.

After volunteering, Aaron spent 6 years with the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association as an Environmental Education Specialist, where he managed interpretive programs for at risk youth, led astronomy night hikes, and created the Mojave in Motion classroom science program.

In 2013, Aaron joined Get Outdoors Nevada as the Education Program Director, where he leads an amazing and talented team that strengthens community through nature and science programs. In addition to working on efforts such as Meet Your Mojave, Next Generation Science Standards, Mojave Max, and Families in Nature, Aaron also facilitates the CHOLLA workgroup and conducts Certified Interpretive Guide trainings. Aaron is also thrilled to be a 2018 Jameson Fellowship member.

Aaron loves learning, and spends his personal time tinkering with a variety of projects, such as making Kombucha and cutting boards, collecting silver age comic books, old novels and Grateful Dead shows, and of course hiking, backpacking, and exploring beautiful Southern Nevada.