McKinzie grew up playing outdoors in the riparian forest buffers of the Nanticoke River in southern Delaware. Having spent her childhood immersed in nature, she knew only a career involving plants, animals and spectacular landscapes undisturbed by human development would make her happiest. So she completed a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech, which is nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, and has since worked in a variety of nature-oriented jobs. Red Knots on the East Coast, Black Bears in southwest Virginia, Columbia Spotted Frogs in Nevada and Sage Grouse in Wyoming are just a few examples of wildlife that McKinzie has had the opportunity to collect data on. Outside of guiding visitors through the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, McKinzie tries to get outside to hike, bird, fish or forage every chance she gets.
Certifications
- Level II Wildlife Track & Sign / CyberTracker
- B.S. Wildlife Science | Virginia Tech
- Wilderness First Responder & CPR
