Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Dorsey.
Hi Sharon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Sharon Dorsey, and I’m an urban naturalist, birder, hiker, and educator based in Baltimore, Maryland. I have a deep passion for connecting people to the natural world around them—especially in urban spaces. Whether I’m guiding a bird walk, leading a classroom discussion, or knee-deep in a stream, I love showing others how nature is not only beautiful, but also essential to our well-being and communities. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with students from elementary school to college, partner with non-profits, and contribute to professional research groups. I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities to learn, collaborate, and inspire others.
Growing up in Baltimore, I was that kid who was always turning over rocks to see what lived underneath or watching squirrels dart across power lines. Nature fascinated me early on, and my curiosity only deepened in high school and college, where I began exploring more structured ways to understand and protect the environment. I pursued a degree in environmental science, dove into internships, and realized that environmental stewardship wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling. I believe we all have a role to play in preserving the natural world, especially in the places we call home.
That passion led me to study environmental science at George Mason University, where I explored the unique abilities of wetland plants as part of my undergraduate research, looking at how they respond to stormwater in urban environments. I continued on to graduate school at Virginia Tech, where I earned my Master’s in Fish & Wildlife Conservation. I was proud to be part of the Virginia Tech Shorebird Program, studying the nesting behavior of the endangered piping plover along the beaches of New York. My work combined field research with science communication, including producing a short documentary to show what environmental science looks like in real life. Through it all, I’ve remained a lifelong learner—committed to meeting people where they are and making science more accessible and relatable for everyone.
In April 2024, I launched SharInNature, LLC as a way to keep that mission going beyond graduate school. It’s a platform for community science, environmental education, and storytelling—centered right here in Baltimore. One of my driving goals is to make sure Black and Brown voices are not just included, but uplifted in conversations around the environment. Early in my journey, I often struggled to find mentors who looked like me, but now I’m fortunate to be part of a growing network of diverse scientists, educators, and advocates. With SharInNature, I hope to inspire others to claim their space in the outdoors, build community through nature, and maybe even share their own story along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but each challenge has shaped who I am and how I approach my work today. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is self-doubt—especially during graduate school while conducting complex data analyses and navigating a field that felt unfamiliar to those around me. Pursuing a career in environmental science wasn’t something I saw modeled growing up; no one in my immediate circle had taken a path like this. Often, when I tried to explain what I was studying or researching, I was met with blank stares—not from lack of support, but from lack of familiarity. That disconnect inspired me to create a short documentary during grad school to show what field research actually looks like. Since then, I’ve made it a point to document my work as a way to make environmental science more relatable and visible, especially for communities historically left out of these spaces.
Another major learning curve has been running my own business. There’s no manual for starting something like SharInNature, LLC, and that can be both intimidating and liberating. As a trained scientist, I didn’t come in with a background in entrepreneurship, but years of organizing and leading community engagement programs gave me a solid foundation in working with people—especially when it comes to listening, communicating, and adapting. I’ve leaned into those strengths and focused on building client relationships where collaboration is key. From the first consultation, I aim to understand the client’s goals and offer creative, science-based programming ideas that leave participants feeling excited and connected to nature. It’s definitely been a learning process, but one I’ve grown to love.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work through SharInNature, LLC is all about making the outdoors more inclusive, educational, and inspiring, especially for communities that haven’t always been centered in these spaces. I specialize in leading nature-based programs like birding tutorials, environmental education workshops, and guided walks that highlight both ecological knowledge and cultural history. Many of my programs uplift the stories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who have contributed to the conservation field but are often left out of mainstream narratives. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some amazing partners, including The National Aquarium, the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Backyard Basecamp, Black Girl Environmentalist, Women of Color Outdoors, and more. I’m also excited to be building new partnerships with the Audubon Society and Wildseed Gear Library.
At the core of my work is a deep desire to create meaningful, inclusive experiences in nature that spark curiosity and nurture stewardship. For example, I lead community science nature walks that contribute to platforms like eBird and iNaturalist, making everyday observations part of something bigger. I also offer accessible birding programs—like “blanket birding” and beginner-friendly outings—that meet people where they are, regardless of their physical ability or previous experience. My “Hidden Figures” programs are especially close to my heart, as they shine a light on lesser-known historical contributions of BIPOC individuals in conservation and environmental science. These stories matter—and they have the power to reshape how people see themselves in relation to the natural world and careers related to it.
Beyond programs, I also create educational media and storytelling projects that broaden representation and spark dialogue. In 2023, I released Black in Conservation, a short autobiographical film sharing my graduate school journey as a wildlife researcher. That same year, I contributed a short story to “Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature”, an anthology showcasing the rich and varied ways Black women and nonbinary folks experience nature. Most recently this year, I have added children’s literature to the mix with my debut picture book “Shorebirds: A Compare and Contrast Book”, which introduces readers to common beach birds while gently weaving in stewardship principles. Each of these projects is another way to make environmental education more engaging, approachable, and reflective of the real world.
If there’s one thing I’m most proud of, it’s not a single event or product—it’s the relationships I’ve built along the way. So many of my opportunities have come through word-of-mouth, from past collaborators who believed in the work and recommended me to others. That’s incredibly meaningful to me because it shows that what I’m doing is not only impactful but also resonating with people. I think what sets me apart is my blend of science, storytelling, and community focus—and my commitment to making sure everyone feels like they have a place in the outdoors.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I currently hold monthly programs for members of Outdoor Afro – DMV; but my next public event will be tabling at the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore’s “Baltimore by Baltimore” event on September 6 from 2-8pm. I will be selling signed copies of my book, Shorebirds: A Compare and Contrast Book”, although it can also be ordered through my website: https://sites.google.com/view/sharondorsey/media-features/shorebirds-a-compare-and-contrast-book?authuser=0
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/sharondorsey/home?authuser=0
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharinnature/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
