Tracie Driver

I started NorthWest EcoExcursions with a passion for staying connected to the natural environment, and strive to combine outdoor recreation with environmental education to help reconnect people with nature. Before NWEE, I served as a Park Ranger in two states for a total of nine years, and have formally trained in recreational management and environmental interpretation.

Because the health of the environment is so important to me, I became certified as a Wildlife Rehabilitator and have worked in that field for 16 years, specifically to help wildlife recover from oil spills (& I have the scars to prove it! They don’t always know you’re trying to help!).

With 20 years of experience in kayaking, 30 years experience in horse care and management, and 30 years experience in wilderness camping and hiking, you should know, you’re in good hands! Also, as a member of the Oklahoma Cherokee tribe I feel strongly connected to my culture and make a considerable effort to weave Native American history, culture, traditions, and legends into each trip.

When I’m off the clock, I love to travel (my favorite place so far was the Aztec Ruins in Mexico), read, work out at the gym, and spend as much time as possible with my family.

Linda Osborne

Educating others about our world has been a mainstay in my life, starting with the Master’s Degree in Education I received from Pacific University of Oregon, and have since worked several years in the public education system.

Although it might be a bit of an understatement I call myself an “outdoor enthusiast,” “water woman” might also fit! I’ve never lived far from the ocean, as its unending complexity, power, and personality constantly call to me. Having been sailing for 16 years, I feel very connected & familiar with marine life, wetlands, and tidal mudflats, particularly of the Oregon Coast where I have lived for 4 years.

I have 16 years of experience in kayaking, 25 years in wilderness camping, and hiking. I am highly energetic and work well with the young and young at heart. I put considerable effort forth to create outdoor education curriculum that is of superior quality, and feel that it is one of our stand out factors.

In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering with local youth programs and events, traveling the road less traveled (whether by sail or bike!), and spending time with my two little girls & loving partner.

Carrie Newell

Carrie has a Masters Degree in Marine Biology and is currently working on her PhD. Carrie is the leading Gray whale researcher in her field. She conducts many of our kayaking trips and tidepool trips. NorthWest EcoExcursions does collaborative work with her company, Whale Research EcoExcursions during the summer months. Carrie has been featured on Discovery Channel and PBS with the Jacque Cousteau organization.

Sandra Wilson

Sandra is better known as “Mama Sandy” by our guests. She comes out of retirement to work for us wearing many hats. Most notably she is our lead cook on all our multi-night excursions. She is also knowledgeable in the area of geology and history in the northwest and has a vast amount of first hand Mt. St. Helens stories she shares with our guests. Sandy is deeply connected to her Cherokee ancestry and entwines her culture in all of her talks. She has worked for the US Forest Service as a Naturalist Interpreter and has also worked in the areas of tourism and marketing. When she is not working for NWEE, she enjoys spending time with her family, and is a rock-hound searching for fossils and semi-precious stones.

Sharon Johnston

Sharon holds a Bachelors Degree from Oregon State University in Zoology, and a Masters Degree from Harvard in Education. She is a skilled outdoor enthusiast. Her knowledge and expertise is unmatched by most any other guide out there. Sharon spent several years in the Peace Corp in Africa. When she is not working, she loves to travel and experience other cultures.

Kelli Mask

I am a junior at Western Washington University and am pursuing degrees in International Business and Spanish. I am fascinated by nature and am a frequent visitor of local beaches and parks. I discovered my love for the outdoors during my years as a Girl Scout and have continued to discover new places and the history and culture that go with them. I am new to kayaking but I love to be on the water.