Meet the Naturalists

Margaret Scanlon – Lead Interpretive Naturalist

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and spending time in an active outdoors family, Meg Scanlon found the perfect opportunity, after moving to the Pittsburgh area in 1973, to follow her love for nature by attending and being smitten with a bird banding program taught by North Park Naturalist, Joe Grom. This led Meg to volunteering and then working as a Nature Aid off and on from her teen years into her late twenties.

At Joe’s retirement in 1987, Meg submitted an application and was hired as an Interpretive Naturalist for the Allegheny County Department of Parks. Meg continued and expanded programming developed by Joe, including a history wildlife rehabilitation, habitat management, and environmental stewardship. She enjoys sharing her love and knowledge of nature with the public, earning the nickname "the living encyclopedia."

In her free time Meg enjoys camping, kayaking, hiking, gardening, and her pets among other interests.

Katie Stanley – Interpretive Naturalist

Katie joined the Latodami Nature Center staff in June 2019 as an Assistant Naturalist after graduating from University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Katie has always been fascinated with the out-of-doors, leading her to become certified as a Master Watershed Steward, creating a watershed association for her hometown, and eventually become a full-time Naturalist at Latodami.

At the Nature Center, Katie focuses on environmental education as well as outreach to allow for unique park programs and experiences, including kayak tours and involvement in community events. Katie’s biggest impact has been through educational videos with the Allegheny County Parks Department where she is able to reach a much wider audience from the comfort of their home.

In her free time, Katie enjoys camping, river floats, traveling, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family and friends.

Leah Fulton – Assistant Naturalist

Leah Fulton joined Latodami Nature Center staff in August 2021 after spending the summer as a Latodami intern. With a background in scientific illustration, Leah is able to bring creative skills to the team and create educational signage with original artwork.

In addition to conducting educational programming, Leah can be found out on the trails closely admiring bugs and educating park guests about their great importance. Leah’s biggest impact has been through utilization of iNaturalist software to document flora and fauna in North Park.

In her free time, she enjoys bird watching, hiking, and sketching in her nature journal.

Jessie Dull – Assistant Naturalist

Jessie joined the Latodami Nature Center staff in April 2023 when she decided to return to work from raising two amazing boys. Jessie’s lifelong love for nature has led her to several volunteer opportunities in the Pittsburgh area and Yellowstone National Park. While finishing her B.S. in Environmental Science, Jessie’s passion has led her to become a certified Master Watershed Steward.

At the Nature Center Jessie loves educating and connecting people with our natural world through her habitat management/restoration projects and group volunteer days. Through these events her goal is to foster stewardship and inspire future citizen scientists..

In her free time, Jessie enjoys time with her husband and two boys, trail running with friends, giving back to her community by volunteering, reading nonfiction, and sitting on her deck soaking in the natural world.