Starr
Katie Starr grew up in Brown County where she learned to love the natural world around her.
Now Starr will use her love for the woods, ponds and wildflower meadows — where she explored often as a child — as she begins working as the new district manager for the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Board of Supervisors of the Brown County Soil and Water Conservation District announced Starr as the new district manager last month. Former district manager Erin Kirchhofer left to serve as the new Habitat for Humanity executive director.
Starr is a graduate of Ball State University with a bachelor of arts degree in religious studies and a master of education in elementary education. She also has a master of science in wildlife conservation and sustainability from Unity College of Maine.
Previously Starr has worked teaching English as a second language in South Korea. She has owned and taught in a Waldorf-inspired child care. Most recently she managed the control of invasive species for the Cordry-Sweetwater Conservation District.
“One of my favorite authors, Rachel Carson wrote ‘Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth are never alone or weary of life.’ These words have never rung more true to me than when I came back home to Brown County,” Starr said.
“As a child my parents instilled a love of the natural world by encouraging me to explore our woods, pond and wildflower meadow. Many hours were spent observing tadpoles, building forts in the woods and helping Eastern box turtles cross the road.”
Starr has traveled abroad and witnessed firsthand what can happen when people are disconnected from the land around them.
“When my son was born in 2015 I knew I had to do all I could to ensure that the world he would inherit is as beautiful and full of wonder as the one I grew up in,” she said.
Starr continued she is “honored and humbled” to serve her community.
“The community that gave me such a solid foundation in knowing who I am, and my place in the world. It is my hope that during my time with Brown County Soil and Water I can share my passion of conservation education, and together we can form a community that strengthens our connections not just to each other, but the land we call home,” she said.
“Another of my favorite authors Robin Wall Kimmerer states, ‘Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.’”
