Freya Berntson

As the Natural Resources Manager, Freya oversees the management of the mosaic of natural areas found at Merry Lea. Freya grew up in Noble County, IN,  just down the road from Merry Lea, and fell in love with the place in her teenage years. After living and learning in multiple states throughout the country, she found her way back to Indiana.

Her first career was in informal science education, skills from which she continues to utilize in her volunteer work, particularly regarding native and invasive plant education and outreach.

She completed a Master of Natural Resource Stewardship with a focus on Ecological Restoration from Colorado State University and has several years of experience in ecological restoration work throughout northern Indiana, northwest Ohio, and Southern Michigan. This work has included prescribed fire, invasive plant management, large-scale native plantings, and more.

She enjoys spending time with her partner and their rescue cats, expanding their native garden, growing and giving native plants, cooking for friends, hiking, and camping.