Valerie Blaschka, Interpreter

Valerie Blaschka, Interpreter at Saginaw Bay Visitor Center
Phone: 989-667-0717
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Valerie has served as the Park Interpreter at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center since 1994, bringing with her a rich background in outdoor education. Prior to coming to the DNR, she gained interpretive experience working in nature centers in three different states and serving as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service.

Valerie has worked for the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service as a resource conservationist setting up outdoor classrooms on school sites in Indiana, and has also worked as a middle school, high school and adult education classroom teacher.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Valerie majored in Natural Resources and Environmental Education, and holds Michigan Provisional Secondary Teaching License. Growing up in Michigan, Valerie's parents and grandparents played a huge role in who she is today, introducing her to the great outdoors, and traveling to state and National Parks all over the country. "I feel very blessed to be able to work in a position where I have an opportunity to influence others to be good stewards of our state's amazing natural resources," says Valerie, "It's a job that you can make into your mission for life."

In her role as the Park Interpreter, Valerie coordinates park special events, school fieldtrips, interpretive exhibits, public programs for park visitors and a small army of volunteers. Much of the success of the park's overall interpretive program is due to the great number of community volunteers who donate time and talents to making the park the best it can be.