Rick

I started ShareOregon because I am inspired by our breathtakingly beautiful state and the tremendously creative people who live here. Through fun experiences such as helping to start a Farmers Market in our neighborhood, having unforgettable adventures in wild places, and hosting visitors, I realized that there should be an easy way for fellow Oregonians and travelers to share the best of what our state had to offer.

Almost daily I learn about another great experience or tasty thing to try in our neighborhood, greater Portland, or the wider state, but so often I only hear about those opportunities by chance through a friend or random article. We are blessed with an abundance of innovative individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, but it can difficult for them to get the word out about their creations. Now they have an easy way to share the best of Oregon with kindred spirits from around the block or around the world.

In addition to the blast I am having with ShareOregon, I have been an educator and developer of educational resources and websites for over 20 years. As the founder of Engaging Press I create curriculum, visual learning resources, and web-based content for clients such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, PBS, SOLVE, One More Generation, and Inspiration Software. I have authored or co-authored a number of books and teacher's guides, including "The EverGreen Twins Activity Book: 40+ Eco-Activities, Games, and Outdoor Adventures," "Marco the Molecule: Water Adventure and Activity Book," "Inquiry, Exploration, and Service Learning in the Sagebrush Ecosystem," and SOLVE's "Environmental Service Learning" curriculum.

I have a passion for helping all ages get outdoors and connect with nature, and have volunteered with the Environmental Education Association of Oregon (EEAO) for many years, including several as the managing chair of the board. My wife Krista and I enjoy hiking, traveling, exploring our beautiful city of Portland, tennis, biking, reading, gardening, music and other arts, and spending time with family, friends, and our super-sweet and entertaining cat, Pepper.