The Georgia Conservancy is excited to welcome Shaundon Moore as our new Stewardship Trips Manager! He joined the Georgia Conservancy in November and is busy planning our schedule of Stewardship Trips and service opportunities for 2026. Shaundon most recently served as a Naturalist/Ranger at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in DeKalb County.
Let’s learn a little bit more about Shaundon!
Tell us about your past roles in conservation and outdoor education?
I’ve worked professionally in conservation and outdoor education for about 7 years now. After earning my master’s degree in Conservation Biology in 2018, I found myself increasingly fulfilled by helping others build outdoor confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the natural world. That path led me to work with several environmental organizations across metro Atlanta, including the Amphibian Foundation, Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, Cobb County’s Watershed Stewardship Division, and West Atlanta Watershed Alliance. My work has ranged from natural resource stewardship and maintenance to coordinating educational experiences for youth and families through camps, STEM festivals, and classroom programs, as well as leading more intensive adult experiences such as hiking, paddling, and bushcraft. I’ve found that people learn especially well through active, immersive experiences, which ultimately led me to serve as a Naturalist and Ranger at Arabia Mountain, and now here at the Georgia Conservancy.
How did you develop your strong conservation ethic and curiosity about the natural world?
The outdoors has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. Nature has helped me heal, grow, build community, and ultimately live a healthy and fulfilling life; for that, I have a deep love and respect for it. Although I grew up in a more urban environment, I still experienced the benefits of access to healthy, thriving ecosystems, but many people don’t have access to those same experiences due to a variety of barriers. It’s hard not to feel compelled to help create opportunities for others to experience the same sense of connection and belonging in nature. That motivation is what drives my work.
Tell us about some of the flora or fauna that interest you?
Honestly, if it lives or breathes, I’m fascinated by it. From microscopic organisms and lichens to large mammals and birds, I love learning about all forms of life. That said, I’m a herper (herpetologist) at heart, so reptiles and amphibians are especially exciting to me. Some standout favorites include Komodo dragons, eyelash vipers, glass frogs, cloud forest plethodontid salamanders, poison dart frogs, hellbenders, tuataras, frilled lizards, and axolotls. Fun fact though… despite all that, my favorite animal is actually jellyfish!
Where are some of your favorite places to explore?
I’m tempted to say “everywhere.” My list of places I want to explore is far longer than I’ll ever be able to reach in one lifetime, and it’s still growing, but that won’t stop me from trying. That said, I’m especially drawn to places that are wet and a little mysterious: caves, swamps, waterfalls, and forested waterways tend to be at the top of my list.
What excites you about your new role with the Georgia Conservancy?
I have a deep affection for nature, exploring it, learning from it, and most importantly, sharing it with others. I’m an Atlanta native (Grady, if you know you know), and I grew up benefiting from conserved landscapes that organizations like the Georgia Conservancy helped protect. In this role, I’m excited to help connect more people to Georgia’s incredible natural places, build meaningful outdoor experiences, and support a growing community of informed, engaged stewards. I hope that through these shared experiences, we can continue to learn from one another and collectively care for the natural resources that sustain us all.