Tara Von Dollen

Board Member

I love nature and always have! And I love sharing nature with people of all ages. Currently I teach two of the four Wisconsin Registry’s Nature Based Early Childhood Education Credential classes as an adjunct instructor at UW - Whitewater. I am (hopefully) inspiring college students and those working as early childhood care providers to share nature with young children in their care. I earned a Masters in Natural Resources/Environmental Education in 2011 during which time I connected with Aldo Leopold Nature Center (ALNC) in Monona. As part of my project, I started the Wonder Bugs Preschool Program and after being hired I stayed at ALNC until the summer of 2020. During my time at ALNC I also co-started the Nature Preschool and served as Nature Preschool Director. 


My family (two daughters, one spouse, and a fur baby) and I can be found engaging in various outdoor activities in all seasons (but winter is my personal favorite)- gardening, hiking, paddling, ice skating, biking, and visiting *new* natural spaces throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Other hobbies and activities that I enjoy include volunteering at the River Food Pantry, serving on the Wisconsin Registry’s Board of Directors since 2018, being co-leader for the Racial Justice team at my church, various fiber and fine arts, DIY household projects, writing, reading, making music, and living my favorite color- green. In addition, I have been a member of WAEE for many years and have served as co-facilitator for the JEDI committee for almost two years now. Being on the WAEE Board has been a goal, and I am very excited to be a part of this team!