Ney Staff

Executive Director: Becky Pollack

It is my pleasure to work at the Ney Nature Center. My connection to this park goes back to 1995 when the deformed frogs were found here by my fellow classmates from the Minnesota New Country School.

Before graduating from Mankato State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and minors in Earth Science and Geology, I was excited to take the position of Director here at the Ney Nature Center. My background with project based learning and love of the natural world as well as experience in nonprofit management made for an easy transition to Executive Director.

My husband, Nick and I, faithfully care for our two kids, Greg and Sami and our many pets: Sunny, a miniature horse, Flora & Fauna, two miniature goats, Eleanor our Chocolate Lab, and two bunnies, Lion & Snicker Doodle.

The Ney Nature Center is a remarkable place, full of history, geology, and other natural world wonders. I enjoy greeting and sharing the phenology of the park with anyone that stops by.

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Northern Leopard Frog
• Favorite Season: Spring
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Photography
• Favorite Part of NNC: History of the Park’s Land
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Sioux Quartzite
• Favorite Flower: Rattlesnake Master

Programs and Marketing Coordinator: Eva Clelland

Hi there! My name is Eva, and I have been the Programs and Marketing Coordinator here at Ney since 2021. I grew up in Saint Paul and found my love for the outdoors through summer camp. Drake University was my choice for college, where I graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Science. Since then, I am lucky enough to have worked in environmental education in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nevada, but Minnesota will always be home!

On my days off, you can find me walking the lakes in Minneapolis, where I live, or continuing to attempt to leash train my cats, Otis & Ruby, so they can enjoy the outdoors with me. I look forward to helping coordinate your program at Ney! Let me know how I can help!

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Barn Owl
• Favorite Season: Fall
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Camping
• Favorite Part of NNC: The people!
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Mica Schist
• Favorite Flower: Purple Coneflower

Mayo House Interpreter & Naturalist: Liz Sheppard

Hello!  My name is Liz Sheppard and I am a Mayo House Interpreter & Naturalist.  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in Wildlife Management, and got my teaching license from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  I grew up in Wisconsin, in the suburbs of Milwaukee.  My grandfather instilled a love of nature in me from a young age and I enjoy sharing that gift with others.  Working at Ney has given me the wonderful chance to interpret history as well as nature.

When I’m not at work, I am often knitting, spinning, or enjoying other textile crafts.  I enjoy hiking with my family, reading books, biking, and swimming whenever I get the chance.  I love to play in the snow with my husband and two children, and we enjoy going camping in the Spring and the Fall.

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Turkey Vulture
• Favorite Season: Autumn
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Camping
• Favorite Part of NNC: The bluffs
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Malachite
• Favorite Flower: Queen Anne’s Lace

Administrative Assistant: Sara Corbin

Hello! My name is Sara Corbin, and I have had the privilege of working at Ney through my role as a Community Forestry Member with AmeriCorps starting in 2023 before being hired into the Administrative Assistant role in 2024. In 2019, I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in English Education. Ever since my childhood, I have loved learning about the world around me. I am excited to use my experience and passion for education to encourage our community to learn about trees and sustainable practices.

My hobbies outside of work inspired me to pursue a role with AmeriCorps. As yearly childhood camping trips with my family developed into monthly camping and hiking adventures with my husband, my love for the outdoors grew. During our trips, I enjoy finding new birds, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and reading a good book. I am looking forward to sharing my excitement for adventure with everyone who visits Ney!

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Green Heron
• Favorite Season: Fall
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking
• Favorite Part of NNC: The groomed XC Ski Trails
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Sandstone
• Favorite Flower: Milkweed

AmeriCorps Climate Impact Project Coordinator: Madi Kes

Hi! My name is Madi Kes and I recently got the opportunity to work with Ney through my AmeriCorps membership as a Climate Impact Project Coordinator. I grew up in a small town outside of Minneapolis and spent most of my childhood exploring the outdoors which is how I fell in love with nature. I went to school at Gustavus Adolphus College where I graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. I’m excited to further my knowledge about forestry and the environment through this experience! In my free time, I enjoy hiking, exploring new places, walking around with my dog, traveling, or any other type of adventurous outdoor activity! I love any chance to discover more about wildlife and I can’t wait to share and develop this passion in my time at Ney!

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Red Squirrel
• Favorite Season: Spring
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking
• Favorite Part of NNC: The Great Oaks
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Obsidian
• Favorite Flower: Lilac

Mayo House Interpreter & Naturalist: Beth Beuch

My name is Beth Beuch, and I recently came on board as Mayo House Interpreter and Naturalist.  I grew up on a farm just West of Henderson and am super excited to be able to fulfill my passion for environmental education so close to home! I love to be outdoors hiking, taking pictures, working in my garden, and doing whatever I can to enjoy what nature has to offer.  One of the goals I have set for myself is to visit and hike through all of the State Parks in Minnesota.  I’m about halfway there and having a great time doing it!

I graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife ecology and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master’s in Library and Information Science.  I spent the first twenty-five or so years of my career moving around the country, teaching at nature centers and state and national parks, and then came back to Minnesota to work as both a naturalist and a librarian at various places.  I have spent a few years as a volunteer here at the nature center, teaching classes and watching it grow.  I love everything this place has to offer and I’m excited to see what we have planned for the future!

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Beaver
• Favorite Season: Spring
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Photography
• Favorite Part of NNC: Vernal ponds
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Amethyst
• Favorite Flower: Blue Flag Iris

Naturalist: Sam Retz

Hi! My name is Sam and I am one of the naturalists here at Ney. I graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2021 with a B.A. in Biology. I grew up in Boyceville Wisconsin on a dairy farm with my parents and sisters. I have always loved being outside no matter what the activity and am very happy to be able to share my love for the outdoors with others.

Some of my favorite activities outside include hunting, hiking, biking and sailing. No matter what the activity is though, I will always take the opportunity to look at plants and insects that I find. Ask me anything about plants or animals that you find in (or outside) the park!

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Black Bear
• Favorite Season: Fall
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Sailing
• Favorite Part of NNC: The ravine
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Shale
• Favorite Flower: American Columbine