Chris Goforth

Chris Goforth remembers her formative day visit to Camp Cooper in the late 1980s as a vivid second-grade adventure. A student of Duffy Elementary at the time, she was captivated by a lesson on snakes while basking in the sun on the amphitheater steps, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for the desert. This initial encounter set the stage for her return as a CATTS Fellow during her graduate studies at UofA, where she spent a year leading environmental education programs. She delved into the unique characteristics of local wildlife and flora, such as the impressive digestive capabilities of javelinas and the green bark of palo verde trees. These experiences not only deepened her connection to nature but also guided her career path towards environmental education. This led to a significant role at an educational field station in North Carolina and shaped her ongoing work in leading citizen science initiatives, confirming her commitment to environmental stewardship and education.