Meet Jessica Miller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I grew up constantly outside, playing house in the woods, building mud castles for bugs, looking under logs for toads, you get the picture. Now that I’m grown up, I find that in my spare time I’m drawn to the outdoors where I hike long distances, my senses honed to discover what’s around me and my mind miles away from daily thoughts. I’ve come to discover first hand that time spent in nature is great for our bodies and minds, but not everyone has made that connection, or could use even more of it. Birding is an accessible hobby; birds are everywhere! And with so many scattered across the varied habitats of Colorado and the world, the learning and exploring is never-ending. Birding is a gateway to improved physical and mental wellbeing, and I’d like everyone to experience the joy of seeing a new species, the confidence to explore, and maybe make new friends along the way. As a major bonus, when we’re caring about birds, their health, and their habitats, we are caring for our own world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When you’re growing up and you tell adults you like animals, the only career they can recommend is to be a veterinarian. So, I went to college thinking that’s what I would be. As I went to school, I found that wasn’t a career I was drawn to, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. My first internship after graduation was a naturalist at a golf and beach resort in South Carolina – I led people on nature outings like kayaking, beach combing, birding, and more. This was a sweet gig! I took people along on my favorite activities and shared my knowledge and passion. I enjoyed helping people connect to and appreciate the wild animals and spaces that I cared so much for. After 6 years and a few promotions, I moved to Colorado. I now supervise Fountain Creek Nature Center as well as co-chair the Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival. When I was invited to run for president of Aiken Audubon Society, it felt like a natural fit. It’s important to me that everyone have access to the outdoors, connect to our natural resources, and be inspired to protect and preserve our world. I’m really happy to be contributing this way, and having both career and volunteer roles in nature education. It’s funny to think where the past 15 years have taken me; I feel like I have been the passenger on a fun river ride, just going along with the current, enjoying the scenery and occasional bump along the way. Others will tell me I was the captain of the ride. I’ve said yes to many invites and offers, haven’t been afraid to speak, and have stuck with what I’m passionate about.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When family comes to visit Colorado Springs, I only take them on hikes or walks. I love Mueller State Park, Rainbow Gulch Trail, Aiken Canyon Preserve, and Fountain Creek Regional Park. Of course, I would take first-time visitors to the top of Pikes Peak and to Garden of the Gods, but while we’re there I’ll be looking for Brown-capped Rosy Finches or White-throated Swifts, respectively. A field trip series I volunteer to lead for Aiken Audubon once a month is Birds & Brews; we’ll go birding together then stop by a local brewery to socialize. After a hike you might find me at Trinity Brewing, Urban Animal, Peaks N Pines, or Paradox Brewing. Into the evening I might wind up swinging at Shrunken Head Tiki Bar, playing pool at Phantom Canyon, or eating tofu bowls at Chiba Bar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Aiken Audubon Society has been a wonderful organization in the Pikes Peak Region for decades, giving everyone the chance to learn about birds while connecting with each other. Their free field trips and monthly meetings are a superb resource for anyone wanting to step further into the world of birding. One event in particular that they sponsor, the Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival, is a great way for new and learning birders to learn and see a lot in one great weekend!

Website: https://www.aikenaudubon.com/

Instagram: @aiken_audubon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AikenAudubonCOS

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKAI5RFETJF3rdKfh3X4r6A

Image Credits
Jessica Miller, Bruce Dunbar, DeAnna DeMoss