Gena Grobarek

About Gena:

Gena holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Environmental Science, as well as a Master’s degree in Environmental Education. She currently serves as the Ecoliteracy Coordinator at OFMS, teaching environmental education to students K–12 and leading the school’s land management and restoration efforts. Before earning her master’s, Gena worked in both the public and private sectors as an environmental scientist conducting wetland health studies, and later as a fisheries biologist in Alaska, focusing on crab in the Bering Sea and various species of salmon in various remote areas of Alaska. Following her passion for growing things, she cultivated a one-acre market garden that included six season-extending greenhouses. During her time in Alaska, Gena also served two terms (six years) as a supervisor on the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District Board, contributing to local conservation and resource management initiatives and gaining valuable experience in grant writing.

Favorite "Only at Oak Farm" memory?:

"Night Hikes in the forest with upper elementary during the elementary sleepovers, and getting the MS/HS kids to make owl sounds in response to mine so the UE students think I can talk to owls."

What work at OFMS feels most meaningful to you?:

"This is genuinely really hard to pick, because I do so many things with the students. It is a tie between working in the garden, especially when there are taste-testing snacks to eat, is my favorite part of my work, and taking my HS students on experiential expeditions for their Eco-lit Field Study days."

How long have you been at OFMS?:

5 Years