Trisha Bartels’ love for the outdoors began in Wisconsin, where she grew up running barefoot through the woods, swimming in lakes and gathering around campfires with family and friends. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong curiosity to explore and a passion for helping others build meaningful connections with nature. Over time, she has traveled to 12 countries, 45 states and 35 U.S. national parks, each adventure deepening her sense of wonder and fueling her commitment to conservation and education.

Trisha holds a master’s degree in environmental education from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she designed a curriculum that combined environmental and adventure education to help the National Park Service strengthen visitor connections to the natural world.

She joins Natural Habitat Adventures as an Adventure Manager with more than a decade of experience in adventure travel, environmental education and guiding. Her career has included program direction, curriculum development and logistics management for a wide range of outdoor and experiential programs, along with leading participants on domestic and international journeys across diverse landscapes and climates.

Outside of work, Trisha is an avid hiker, gravel and mountain biker, cross-country skier, yogi and all-around adventurer who enjoys both backcountry trails and her local community. At Nat Hab, she is excited to create transformative journeys that inspire awe, respect and responsibility for the planet. She is especially excited to oversee Nat Hab’s Alaska adventures, showcasing the region’s vast wilderness and remarkable wildlife through immersive, conservation-focused travel.