Karen Hickerson
Visitor Information and Education Specialist
Karen Hickerson is an SJMA Visitor Information Specialist, but she is so much more than that! With her background in elementary education and her passion rooted in nature, she not only helps visitors with trip planning but is always quick to throw in interesting nature fun facts and Leave No Trace messaging.
Karen grew up in Littleton, CO and was lucky enough to spend her days catching frogs, building forts, swimming, hiking, skiing and watching the clouds roll by. She moved to Durango in 1988 to go to Fort Lewis College where she earned her degree in Environmental Sociology. A few year later, she returned to get her Elementary Education degree. Since then, she has worked at Purgatory as a ski instructor, was a raft guide for Mountain Waters Rafting and a teacher for Durango 9-R.
Most recently, she was Program Director for Durango Nature Studies and, currently, runs her own nature connection workshops for kids and adults in the area. Her passion is teaching about birds, primitive skills and deep nature connection. She has volunteered with San Juan Mountains Association and the CPW Wildlife Museum, leading tours for both.
Karen is married to Eric, a firefighter in Farmington, and has two boys out of high school. And she is still lucky enough to spend many days catching frogs, building forts, swimming, hiking, skiing and watching the clouds roll by.
