About

Me exploring the wetlands. photo by Linda Stock Morehouse

Me exploring the wetlands. photo by Linda Stock Morehouse

“As a nature photographer, I feel it is important to learn as much as you can about what you are photographing. Understanding their species, habitat, behavior, characteristics, and other helpful information creates a better connection between you and them and how you photograph.

Beginning in August of 2018, my goal is to explore Florida’s natural and beautiful locations and to share with you information about the variety of species I encounter on a personal and photographic level.”

Alice Mary Herden

Alice Mary Herden is an award-winning professional photographer and writer focusing on nature and wildlife and an iNaturalist geek! 
 
Education:
Alice obtained two career diplomas, Wildlife/Forestry Conservation, and Freelance Writing, from Penn Foster in 2019.
 
She completed the Florida Master Naturalist Program core module courses: Upland, Freshwater, and Coastal Systems through the adult education UF/IFAS Extension program to obtain her Master Naturalist certification in September 2020. She completed the Land Steward and Restoration Courses to obtain her title as an Advanced Master Naturalist.
 
In September 2020, Alice enrolled in a course at Cornell Lab Bird Academy to obtain her certification in Ornithology: Comprehensive Bird Biology, which she completed in October 2020. In December 2021, she was awarded a certificate of completion on Feeder Birds | Identification and Behavior and Joy of Birdwatching.
 
In April 2022, she received her Career Diploma in Botany/Plant Biology and Entomology from the Centre of Excellence.
 
Continuing Education Certifications:
 
  • Environmental Education & Community Engagement by Cornell.edu 
  • Nature Education by Cornell.edu

  • Plant Identification for Wildlife Biologists by Center for Wildlife Studies

More continuing education experience can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicemaryherden/

Currently Enrollment
  • NAI- National Association for Interpretation
    • To obtain my certification for Certified Interpretive Guide
Future Enrollment Interest 
  • Plant Community Assessment by Center for Wildlife Studies

  • Writing About Research for Impact & Influence by Center for Wildlife Studies

I am always looking to continue my education in nature-related subjects. This helps to create, visualize and learn ways to reach the community.

Work:
From 2008 to 2021, Alice owned Green-Fly Media LLC, a freelance photography business.  She has over 18 years of retail management and merchandising experience. 
 
In January 2021, Alice was hired for a part-time position with FWC as an Educational Specialist. In May of 2022, she took the opportunity to work full-time with Citrus County Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Program Specialist.
She still writes for Hernando Sun and continues to publish her photography and nature-related writings on her blog- FloridaNature.net.
 
Awards:
Alice was nominated for Agricultural & Environmental Reporting for articles published in Hernando Sun in the Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest. She placed second for Agricultural & Environmental Reporting and was awarded first place in Portfolio Photography in 2018, and she took home first place in 2019. She was awarded the Robert J. Ellison Memorial Award for Portfolio Photography in 2018.
 
Publications:
She published three online magazines, Voices to Visions, a Dust, and Shadows Magazine, which featured haunted locations and interviews with paranormal celebrities. Football Magazine was the first minor league football magazine in the state of Florida based on the United Football Federation football league that featured game coverage and interviews including former NFL players and College Coaches. She also created RAW- Real Amazing Wildlife featuring nature and wildlife photography.
 
Volunteer Work:
Starting from 2015 to 2020, Alice has been a volunteer at Chinsegut Conservation Center located in Brooksville, Florida. She helps with programs as well as organizing nature photography workshops. Alice is also a co-organizer for the yearly event ‘Chinsegut Wildlife Day’ and the ‘Wild Florida’ Photography Exhibit.
 
She is still active with the Horseshoe Crab Watch in Hernando County since September 2020.
 
Personal:
Alice is married to Donald Herden Jr and resides in Weeki Wachee, Florida, with their two dogs, Bree and Willow.

Alice Mary Herden is a proud member of the following organizations.