Jessica Morgan

Spending the majority of her life in the Sonoran Desert, Jessica developed a deep interest in the way plants and animals adapt to their environments, especially in arid settings, and it’s an interest that is woven throughout her diverse experience as a naturalist guide. At the University of Arizona, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Development with a minor in Spanish, yet the call to spend extended time in nature, and eventually to pursue a career focused on wild realms, proved stronger. Jessica began her career as a naturalist guide in Saguaro National Park outside Tucson, where she interpreted the botany of the Sonoran Desert to locals and visitors alike. An avid photographer, she would spend her days off working on assignments for Arizona Highways magazine and teaching photography courses at her local co-op and REI. Pivotal moments in her photography career have involved photographing polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, and penguins, leopard seals & blue whales in Antarctica.

When she was growing up, Jessica spent weeks in New Hampshire visiting family and soaking up the changing seasons—a vivid contrast to her life in Arizona. Yet her love for deserts and hot climates has remained steady, and exploring the American Southwest keeps it stoked. However, her photography and interpretation skills  have led her farther afield professionally. In Yellowstone National Park, she has guided photo tours and operated snowcoaches for winter travel within the park, developing a deep appreciation for a wide range of megafauna, mountain plant life, and the geothermal activity simmering under her feet. Most recently, she has built up substantial expertise as a bear guide, based during the summer at Nat Hab's Alaska Bear Camp in Lake Clark National Park since 2022.

A love for America’s national parks drew Jessica to her position as an Expedition Leader for Natural Habitat Adventures. As a guide, she emphasizes an appreciation for both the natural world and for our human role in conserving it, dual passions she hopes to instill in her guests. When she isn’t guiding, you’ll find Jessica pursuing photography for local magazines and building her visual image presence on Instagram, making films, art, music, kayaking (yes, even in Southern Arizona), camping and hiking.

Praise from Nat Hab Travelers:

T. Gent
"Jessica was fantastic! She gave in-depth knowledge and first-rate understanding of the region and the monarch butterflies."

A. Fusick
"Without a doubt, Jessica is responsible for an experience I will tell friends and family about for the rest of my life. Her knowledge about and passion for Bear Camp and the Alaskan wilderness shown through from Day 1."

G. Bickel
"Jessica was very knowledgeable about the area, the language and the monarch butterflies. Every detail was taken care of and executed flawlessly. We loved her!"

T. Chase
"Jess is lovely in every way. Her calming presence and enthusiasm for nature made the trip great. She was filled with fun facts about bears and helpful with photography tips. She also reacted calmly and swiftly when we were faced with a close-up bear encounter, helping us to feel safe. I will remember that moment for a lifetime!"

F. Garfield
"Jessica was personable, responsive, energetic, related to each of us individually and as a group, and worked seamlessly with our other guide. I enjoyed her immensely!"

C. LaCombe
"Jessica is great! I really enjoyed her warmth, knowledge, friendliness and confidence out in the field. Yet another great asset to Nat Hab." 

K. Benoit
"Jess is friendly, knowledgeable and worked well guiding with our other Expedition Leader. Safety is a huge priority for her, and she handled our close bear encounter professionally and with ease! We got the close-up camera shots we all wanted while also feeling safe."

E. Prisekin
"Jess was such an amazing guide! Her passion for and knowledge of the bears is even enticing me to consider the trip to Churchill to see the polar bears."

D. Russler
"Jessica's enthusiasm was infectious, and her knowledge of the bears was impressive. Her guiding skills ensured that at no time were we in any danger, nor did we ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable. A great Expedition Leader!"

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