Shelby Shartzer

Shelby is a conservation-minded biologist and science communicator who is excited to help connect Louisville’s communities with the trees and natural spaces in their own neighborhoods. As the Outreach Coordinator at TreesLouisville, Shelby works to make environmental education engaging and accessible for people of all ages.

A lifelong Kentuckian, Shelby’s connection to the outdoors began through summers spent at YMCA Camp Piomingo and grew into a passion for understanding and protecting the plants and animals that call Kentucky home. Shelby earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Sterling College Vermont, where they studied ecology, wildlife conservation, and forest management.

Before joining TreesLouisville, Shelby worked as a field biologist and researcher, studying biofluorescence in salamanders and assisting with long-term monitoring of bats populations in Kentucky and surrounding states. She particularly enjoys finding ways to translate scientific ideas into stories and experiences that help people feel curious about the natural world.

Shelby is especially passionate about helping people develop a sense of place and believes that conservation is something everyone should feel empowered to participate in. They are excited to bring a background in science, education, and community engagement to TreesLouisville and to help Louisville’s residents build meaningful connections to the growing urban forest around them.

Email: shelby@treeslouisville.org