Get to know Alo McGarigal (they/they), who is one of our extraordinary Field Instructors! During trips, Alo brings to the team a combination of compassionate guidance with joyful instruction, making them a force of nature in the field! Learn more about Alo below, and read our other staff and board profiles here!

What led you to become an environmental educator?

I studied Environmental Science at Colorado College under the ever-present gaze of Tava (Pikes Peak). My love of science flourished among the trees at Tava’s alpine treeline and the salt marshes of Cape Cod, MA. During college, I was introduced to the field of environmental education through a new program called the Teaching and Research in Environmental Education (TREE) semester. My time at the TREE Semester ignited a new passion for facilitating learning experiences. We studied educational pedagogy, developed environmental education curriculum, and taught local 5th graders every Friday at outdoor school.

What is your favorite environmental topic to teach?

My favorite environmental topic to teach about is food systems, but my second favorite thing I love to teach about it water systems, which made this summer’s Watershed programs super fun for me. I also love teaching students mindfulness practices in the outdoors where they are encouraged to tune into the world and themselves. 

Do you have a formative memory of when you learned to love the outdoors?

I think I’ve always loved the outdoors. I grew up in a family that loved to be outside as much as possible. I have wonderful memories of playing in the outdoors, whether that was in my neighborhood making up games and drawing fantasy maps, biking around parks, swimming in all different bodies of water, or camping with friends and family.

How do you connect to nature?

I love to connect with the world around me by being immersed in it, whether that is hiking slowly and intentionally, meditating, taking a dip in a body of water, or even just simply remembering to take a deep breath and engaging my senses. 

What are your favorite memories so far of leading Cottonwood trips?

Some of my favorite memories are the connections that I’ve made with students where I’ve helped them navigate their internal world and they express gratitude for my guidance.

What do you do outside of working for Cottonwood?

Outside of Cottonwood, I work for the Catamount Center for Environmental Science and Education as their Education Director and Curriculum Coordinator. I help to facilitate the TREE program through Colorado College, which is starting back up at the end of August for its 10th year of programming. In September, I am also starting an M.A./Ph.D. program through Pacifica Graduate Institute in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Ecopsychology. In my personal life, I enjoy baking, making meals with friends, hiking, live music, and practicing Zen Buddhism.

What is your favorite snack to eat in the woods?

It depends on my mood, but a fresh cold pickle often really hits the spot in the mid-afternoon. 

What’s an unusual skill people might not know you have?

I’m not sure how unusual this is, but I don’t think many people know how much I love performing, whether that be singing, playing the bass, or acting.

We’re so grateful to have Alo on our team! Follow us for all Cottonwood news this fall:

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