Our FBRP Ambassadors are volunteers who have been trained to know the Pinelands ecosystem and all about Black Run Preserve and its trails.
Be sure to say “HELLO” if you see them out and about on the trails. They’re happy to answer any questions and provide insight about the Black Run Preserve.
Mike Cannon
Mike Cannon has been volunteering at Black Run since retiring from State government in 2013. Mike grew up in Audubon and now hails from Laurel Springs, where he has lived with his wife Eileen for 30 years. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Stockton University, Mike honed his teaching skills volunteering with the Peace Corps in rural Kenya. Mike's a frequent paddler in the Pinelands and took up trail cycling last year. He also sheepishly takes credit for the bad puns that occasionally pop up in Black Run's Facebook news feed.
Dan English
Dan is a Marlton resident and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, boating, fishing, and hiking. Hiking highlights include: Valley of Fire State Park - Nevada, Zion National Park - Utah, Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail - Arizona, and Black Run Preserve - New Jersey. See ya on the trails.
Amy Golden
Dr. Amy Golden has a dual degree in Biology and Psychology from Trinity College, and a Dental degree from University of Pennsylvania. She is a board member of South Jersey Camera Club and avid outdoor photographer. She also is honored to serve as a Trustee for Black Run Preserve.
Ron Pugh
Ron is an amateur Photographer and Naturalist who has had many careers in his life: Thirty Five years with State of NJ Employment and Training Programs as a Vocational Counselor, a State level Soccer Official and Coach for 30 plus years, an Outdoor Discovery School Guide; Bike Mechanic, and Sales Rep for LL Bean, and is a US Army Veteran. Now retired, he spends his best days enjoying nature and considers the Pine Barrens forests his sanctuary.
Paul Lang
Paul has been an avid birder for the past 40 years. He enjoys helping to show people the beauty of the Black Run Preserve and doing citizen science work with the NJDEP.
Diane Hardies
Bio coming soon!
Maureen Heenan
Maureen Heenan has been volunteering in the Black Run Preserve since attending teacher camp at the Pinelands Alliance in 2009. Maureen is a teacher at DeMasi Middle School in Evesham Township. She has served as a resource for the school district to introduce students to the Black Run Preserve, and she and John Volpa, developed a middle school ambassador program in 2015. Maureen loves to introduce people to the beauty of the pine barrens, and looks forward to many more student projects.
John McPeak
John McPeak is a life-long lover of the Pine Barrens having grown up near the headwaters of the Mullica River (Back Run). He has camped, hiked, canoed and kayaked in the Pines since the age of 7 and often thinks of the Pine Barrens as “ So much beauty in such little air space” . John has a BS in Environmental Studies from Stockton University and is semi-retired from a career in environmental management, plant operations and business management. John is on the Board of the Walt Whitman Association (www.waltwhitmanassociation) and shares Walt's sentiments that “A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books” perhaps paraphrased as “A (cedar swamp) at my (kayak’s bow) satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books”! John lives in Mickleton, NJ in a restored 19th Century Queen Anne with his wife Jeanne and is an avid gardener with five grown children and two grandkids.
Patt Osborne
Patt Osborne is a life-long South Jersey resident and lover of outdoor adventures since being introduced to hikes in the woods at an early age. Patt comes from a background of 25 years as a successful educator in the Mt. Laurel School district. After her years as a teacher and inspired by her love of nature, she became a small business owner; organizing Boomer Chick Adventures which include hiking, kayaking, stand -up paddle boarding, and other outings for Baby Boomer-age women who have a yen for fun and play. Her adventures have been featured in articles in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Camden Courier Post, the Burlington County Times, and on 6 ABC’s “Art of Aging”.
As a Trail Ambassador at the Black Run Preserve, Patt enjoys helping others connect to their senses by co-leading “Forest Bathing” walks; a gentle, meditative approach to being in nature. Her favorite quote is: “I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order” – John Burroughs
