McDowell Environmental Center
- 205-387-1806, ext. 109
- mecdirector@campmcdowell.org
MEC Staff
MEREDITH DONALDSON, DIRECTOR
Meredith grew up in Central Virginia, and from a young age, has always been happiest when she is outside. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a BS in Environmental Science, Meredith came to Camp McDowell to share this love for the outdoors with others. Here she worked as a seasonal instructor, and eventually as the Operations Manager. Before returning to camp in 2021, Meredith worked as the Hawaii/International Regional Director, and the Director of Logistics for Wilderness Adventures, an outdoor leadership organization in Jackson, Wyoming. Meredith loved expanding her knowledge of outdoor education and getting to explore a new part of the country. She returned to camp to work as the Program Coordinator for the McDowell Farm School, and now could not be happier to be back at the Environmental Center as the Director. As Director, Meredith is excited to continue to share her passion for environmental education, and her love for nature with the many visitors that come to Camp McDowell. In her free time, Meredith loves to try new recipes in the kitchen, take long hikes with her dog Maple, and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in a rocking chair.
KIM CORSON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Kim hails from the great corn state of Iowa. She studied Elementary Education but fell in love with teaching outdoors, not in the classroom. Kim worked for two years as a Naturalist in Minnesota where she perfected her Minnesotan accent. She’s also taught environmental education in the Adirondack State Park in New York and in the mountains of Utah. Kim started at MEC as an instructor in 2017, planning on being here just one season…and hasn’t left since! She loves her McDowell home and the wonderful community here. Kim has a Masters in Natural Science & Environmental Education through Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and is on the Environmental Education Association of Alabama board. In her free time, you'll find her outside somewhere hiking, rock climbing, roller skating, or admiring lichen.
NATE Burt, Animal Programs Mangaer
Nate grew up in the Birmingham area. I am a graduate from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. I have always loved the outdoors, hiking, and fishing. I spent many weeks attending, planning and coordinating activities for retreats at Living River Retreat on the Cahaba in Montevallo, Alabama and at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina. I also attended Camp McDowell in middle school and had a great time, of course! I look forward to exploring the outdoors and teaching students about our environment!
JAMIE CAMP, RN, CAMP NURSE
Jamie grew up in Birmingham, AL and first explored Camp McDowell as a 5th grader visiting the McDowell Environmental Center. Following her graduation from the University of Alabama in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she started a career in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Children’s of Alabama. Caring for children with heart conditions strengthened her clinical skills and adaptability. Jamie loves working with kids and also taught adaptive swim lessons at the YMCA for youth with varying disabilities. Her numerous visits to Camp over the years inspired Jamie to pursue a position here, particularly after volunteering as a nurse at Special Session and Unbound in 2019. Observing the compassionate interactions between campers and staff highlighted for her the enriching and joyful environment that Camp McDowell cultivates. Jamie finds fulfillment in caring for others to ensure a safe and healthy experience. She has always believed in the healing powers of the outdoors and loves to spend time outside herself. She is excited to care for this amazing community and continue to work with children, proudly taking on the role of Nurse Camp, Camp Nurse. In her free time, you’ll find her swimming, reading, hiking, or hanging with her dogs and cats.
Hunter, Operations Manager
Hey! I'm Hunter! Since I can remember, I've always had a great love for nature. It began while I was in boy scouts and only became stronger as I grew older. I had the opportunity in college to make something more concrete out of that love, so I pursued a degree in Environmental Studies and graduated in 2020. While in college, I became an environmental docent for the university and it made me realize how much I love teaching others about the natural world. Along with my love for nature, in my free time I enjoy rock climbing, going to the gym, playing video games, and going to concerts. I'm excited to connect with so many like-minded people and learn more about the world around us! around us!
Seasonal Environmental Education Instructors
Ben
Hello! My name is Benjamin, I am 24 and love tzatziki sauce. I love good food and I am passionate about staying alive. I like meeting new people, and I am always looking to cultivate new relationships and build/be a part of new communities that challenge me and give me the chance to experience life in new and interesting ways. I love mushrooms and plants. I am certainly no expert, but it has become a passion to continue learning about mycology and how Mycelium interacts with other plants and the world around us. I enjoy drawing, playing video games, paddleboarding and sharing my interest in the natural world, among other things. I also like Salamanders. Thank you for your time.
Claire
Hey! My name is Claire and I just graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South in May with a degree in Ecology and Biodiversity Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Learning outdoors was the highlight of my education at Sewanee from labs that took place throughout Tennessee to a sustainability and global environmental change seminar that allowed me to explore and travel to New Zealand. These opportunities helped foster my appreciation for environmental education. Camp McDowell has been an important place for me growing up and spending two summers on summer staff! I am excited to explore camp with students through the Environmental Center this fall! In my free time I enjoy hiking, running, and spending time with family and friends.
Grace
Grace graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management in August of 2024. During her time at Auburn University, she worked on stream sampling projects, in a paleolimnology lab, and assisted with research on bird pigmentation. Grace has also spent a summer working in Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort in Montana. Last summer, she lived at the Solon Dixon Center where she learned field techniques and conducted studies which included catching Southern flying squirrels, Pine Barrens tree frogs, and even a black bear! Grace has always had a great love for the outdoors and enjoys swimming and hiking. She is very excited to share this passion with students at Camp McDowell!
Kate
Hi! My name is Kate, and I am from Birmingham, AL! I grew up going to Camp McDowell’s summer camps, and this place has always been a second home to me. My mom’s family is also from Winston County, so the Bankhead National Forest means so much to me, and I truly believe it is the most wonderful place on Earth. I just recently graduated from Birmingham-Southern College and decided to follow my dreams of working here at McDowell! I had the amazing opportunity in college to study environmental science abroad in New Zealand, and while I loved every second of it, it made me realize just how special the Alabama wilderness is, and I am beyond thrilled I get to share this love with others! You can find me reading, listening to Dolly Parton, or just enjoying the outdoors, rain or sun.
Robert
Hey everyone! My name is Robert, I'm an Alabama native with a deep love for everything outdoors and a long lasting connection to the forests of Bankhead. After graduating from The University of the South with a degree in Environmental Arts and Humanities I have traveled the country working in environmental education and I am so thankful to return to Alabama to continue to learn and teach in such a wonderful place. In my down time I love to read, write, canoe, and explore.
Sadie
Hey y’all! My name is Sadie Bekurs (she/her), and I recently graduated from Birmingham- Southern College with a degree in B.S. in Biology and a minor in Religion! I am a big animal lover and, during my time in school, recognized my love for the environment as well. I am originally from Louisiana and, since moving here 5 years ago, have fallen in love with Alabama’s diverse landscape and wildlife! I am so excited to make new friends and explore the outdoors at MEC!