About our guides:

Herpetology & Entomology

Dr. Matthew Atkinson, Ph.D.: Herpetology Hike Guide

Dr. Matthew Atkinson is a lecturer at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida, USA. He received his Ph.D. in Conservation Biology at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA, a M.S. in Biology at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA, and a B.S. in Wildlife Management at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA. His research group focus on reptile and amphibian ecology and conservation, with a focus on pathogens, and incorporating; immunogenetics, population management, invasion biology, and urban ecology to answer questions regarding the future of herpetofaunal populations in the Anthropocene.

Davide Dal Pos, Ph.D. : Entomology Hike Guide

Davide Dal Pos holds a Ph.D. in Integrative and Conservation Biology from the University of Central Florida. His research focuses on the evolution and taxonomy of parasitoid wasps, particularly the highly diverse family Ichneumonidae. He is one of the few researchers specializing in the comparative morphology and evolutionary patterns of this group. Davide is the founder of the World Ichneumonidae Database (WID), the largest online resource dedicated to Ichneumonidae taxonomy and systematics. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques, such as micro-CT scanning, with phylogenetic and ecological data to uncover the mechanisms driving morphological evolution and host adaptation in parasitoid wasps.

Birding

Kar DeGeiso: Birding Hike Guide

Kar is an Animal/Plant Science major. She has been birding for over 40 years. Kar lived in Delaware and has birded a lot of the Eastern MidAtlantic states. She has volunteered in research projects with Red Knots, Saw-whet Owls and has worked for American Birding Association and Delaware Museum of Natural History where she was a docent and worked in the Bird Collections, making skins for the collections. Kar moved down to Florida, permanently 4 years ago. An avid birder and hiker, she loves to hike the parks and see what she can find.

Ecology, Land Management & Natural History

Cory Snyder: Florida Ecology, Land Management and Natural History Hike Co-Guide

Cory has been passionate about the environment from a young age. Growing up on a family farm in New Jersey, every available ounce of free time was spent chasing salamanders and snakes down by the creek. During his time in the boy scouts, he was awarded the William T Hornaday Conservation Award alongside his Eagle Scout rank while working with a local wildlife rehabilitator. Later, he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences from Cornell University, graduating magna cum laude. Before landing in Florida in 2023, Cory has worked across the continent conserving sea turtles in Costa Rica, tracking tortoises in the Mojave Desert, and protecting rare species in central New Jersey. Drawn by biodiversity and snow free winters, Cory found a home along the Lake Wales Ridge in central Florida. During the moments to unwind, he can be found exploring the diverse Florida landscape, honing his disc golf skills, or strolling various markets seeking out antiques.

Shannon Carnevale: Florida Ecology, Land Management and Natural History Hike Co-Guide

Shannon Carnevale is the Natural Resources and Conservation Extension Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. With 15 years of experience in natural resources education, she specializes in Florida ecology, lakes and watersheds, invasive species, and living with wildlife. Shannon works with residents, land managers, and local governments to promote conservation practices that support both ecosystem function and community resilience. She also co-hosts Naturally Florida, a podcast that connects listeners with Florida’s native species and wild places through engaging, conversational science.

Botany & Mycology

James Phillips: Mycology Hike Guide

James is a naturalist from Okeechobee, Florida. With roots in the citrus industry, he has a lifelong love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for Florida’s unique landscapes and agricultural heritage. His connection to the land inspired a passion for conservation and shaped his career. In 2001, James earned his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Central Florida. Since then, he has built a diverse career working in water treatment, environmental consulting, and state and tribal wetland programs.When he’s not working to protect Florida’s landscapes, James enjoys kayaking and exploring wild places with his family and friends—always seeking new adventures and opportunities to connect with nature.

Samuel Igo: Botany Hike Co-Guide
Samuel is a native of Polk County, Florida, with a deep connection to its wild areas. Having spent years exploring the natural landscapes around Polk, mostly around the green swamp and highlands scrub trails, he has developed a passion for preserving and regenerating Florida’s native ecosystems. In 2020, he founded a regenerative gardening company focused on installing and maintaining gardens as functional ecosystems. His work emphasizes soil health, gardening with Florida native and Florida-friendly productive plants, and viewing gardens as integral parts of the larger ecosystem. As the current president of Polk County's Heartland Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society he is an advocate for conservation and sustainability. With a focus on regenerative landscaping and farming practices, Sam is dedicated to teaching others how to care for the land in ways that benefit both people and the environment.

CJ McCartney: Botany Hike Co-Guide

After moving to Florida from Chicago, CJ McCartney started learning how to be a knowledgeable and effective Environmental Steward. Along with training to become a UF Master Gardener, she started taking a variety of botanical, horticulture and landscaping classes and seminars to supplement her formal graduate education in public policy from Harvard University. Currently, she is the Master Gardener in Residence at the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, where she manages Conservation Conversations and Art & Nature programming. Along with serving on the Audubon Everglades Advisory Board, she is on several other State and Regional Boards and committees. In July, she wrapped a two-year stint documenting over 600 native plants in natural areas and has led multiple hikes focused on habitats and the native plants and wildlife that thrives in each one. She currently leads a series of hikes called, “Let’s Get Botanical” for Audubon Everglades, talks to multiple civic, community and conservation organizations on “Designing Sustainable Nature-Based Landscapes” and is doing a series of hikes about Wildflowers and Pollinators in the spring. Her Instagram account @botanizingbirdingbutterflies documents what is buzzing, blooming and flying in Florida throughout the year.