From Adventure to Advocacy: Cody's Journey Through Nature and Service

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‘Cody’s life is defined by adventure and a deep connection to nature. Growing up on the Arkansas state line, he explored the Ozark Plateau, where outdoor activities shaped his childhood. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he found healing in the wilderness and turned his passion for the outdoors into a career as an outdoor educator and park ranger. Cody is committed to conservation and inspiring young people to appreciate and protect the natural world, sharing valuable lessons about nature’s power and the importance of community.’

Background

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I grew up on the Arkansas state line in Eastern Oklahoma, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Ozark Plateau. Nature wasn’t just a backdrop—it was my playground. From an early age, I was hiking, camping, canoeing, and even crawling through tight, dark cave passages before I was old enough for school. My dad made sure life was anything but ordinary.

We didn’t have much money, but we had endless adventures in the great outdoors. My dad, the Oklahoma Claims Director for the Gold Prospectors Association of America, had a passion for prospecting and treasure hunting that took us all over the country. We spent our days panning for gold, digging up crystals, metal detecting, rockhounding, and chasing down old treasure tales. His love for history and adventure also meant we were always exploring historical sites and learning about the past.

If that wasn’t unique enough, we also rescued full-blooded gray wolves. Over the years, our property became home to several litters of wolf puppies, turning "playtime" into wrestling matches with a pack of wild-hearted companions. Between treasure hunts, wolf pups, and squeezing through underground passages, my childhood wasn’t just memorable—it was a life of adventure, curiosity, and connection to the wild.

Can you tell us about your journey from being a U.S. Navy veteran to an outdoor educator and park ranger? What motivated this transition?

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After returning from a deployment to Afghanistan in 2008-2009, I faced challenges with my mental health and found solace in the outdoors. Nature became my therapy, and I spent nearly all my free time hiking, paddling, and sleeping under the stars—often more nights outside than in my own bed. During this time, I began organizing and leading hikes and outdoor trips for friends and family, discovering how much I enjoyed helping others connect with the wilderness.

As my hikes grew longer, I decided to tackle the Ozark Highlands Trail, completing a thru-hike that deepened my love for the outdoors. Shortly after, I took a trip to Colorado with my dad and ended up enrolling in Colorado Mountain College to pursue a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. A month later, I packed up my life in Oklahoma and moved to Colorado, immersing myself in learning how to guide others in nature.

I soon began working as a backpacking and canoe guide, leading multi-day expeditions across the country. In 2019, my lifelong passion for caving led me to apply for a Park Guide position at Jewel Cave National Monument. The opportunity to work in the third longest cave in the world felt like a dream come true, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to share my love of the underground world with others.

How have your military experiences shaped your approach to outdoor education and conservation?

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My military experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to outdoor education and conservation by instilling a global perspective, adaptability, and strong leadership skills. Being exposed to diverse cultures and environments during my service deepened my appreciation for the interconnectedness of people and ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for conservation on both local and global scales. I saw firsthand the environmental challenges faced by different regions, which inspired me to advocate for preserving natural spaces.

Leadership training in the military taught me how to guide teams effectively, adapt to changing circumstances, and remain calm under pressure—skills I now use to educate and inspire others in outdoor settings. Additionally, the resilience and discipline I developed have reinforced my commitment to conservation efforts, ensuring I approach each project with focus and determination. Overall, my military background has given me the tools and perspective to connect people with nature, emphasizing the importance of protecting it for future generations.

What are some of the most memorable places you've explored, and what lessons did you learn from those experiences?
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Some of the most memorable places I’ve explored have left lasting impressions, each offering its own lessons about the power of nature and our connection to it. Rafting through Utah’s Cataract Canyon with a group of fellow veterans through Outward Bound stands out as one of the most exhilarating experiences. Riding class IV and V rapids with towering red rock canyon walls all around was a humbling reminder of nature’s raw power. Following the path of Major John Wesley Powell, I felt a deep connection to history and the enduring spirit of exploration.

Guiding a group of 13-year-olds on a canoe trip through Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota was equally impactful. Witnessing their joy as they heard a loon’s haunting call at dawn for the first time or their awe as I woke them in the middle of the night to see the Aurora Borealis dancing on the horizon reminded me how transformative nature can be. That trip taught me the importance of introducing young people to the outdoors, as it fosters wonder and a lifelong respect for the natural world.

Another unforgettable moment came during a solo hike in the San Rafael Swell, where I discovered ancient pictographs deep in a canyon. After hours of scrambling through slot canyons and scaling cliffs, I found a hidden wall adorned with images of shaman-like figures that seemed to bridge the ancient and the otherworldly. This experience taught me about the enduring stories of our ancestors and how nature holds the keys to preserving those narratives.

The Everglades, however, hold a special place in my heart. From the moment I first stepped into its sawgrass prairies and cypress domes, I was captivated by its unique beauty and ecological significance. Every trip to the Everglades has reminded me of the importance of conserving fragile ecosystems and our responsibility to protect them for future generations.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that the natural world is not only a source of adventure but also a wellspring of knowledge and healing. The most important lesson I’ve taken away is that our connection to these wild places is essential—for both the health of the planet and our own well-being.

Can you describe a challenging outdoor education experience you've had and how you overcame it?
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One of the most challenging moments I’ve faced as an outdoor educator was during a multi-day, multi-sport expedition with a group of teenagers. Early in the trip, tensions boiled over as some of them started bullying and fighting, frustrated by being without their cell phones. The conflict lasted for several days, creating a tough dynamic to navigate in the wilderness.

What ultimately solved the problem was assigning responsibilities and pairing the bickering parties together for tasks that required teamwork. Slowly, they began to rely on one another, and by the end of the trip, those same kids had stepped into leadership roles and were thriving. It was a powerful reminder of how nature and shared challenges can transform attitudes, build resilience, and foster growth in ways that traditional settings often can’t.

How do you engage and inspire others, especially youth, in outdoor education and conservation efforts?
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I engage and inspire others, especially youth, by creating immersive, hands-on experiences that ignite curiosity and foster a deep connection to nature. Drawing from my own adventures—surveying cave passages, diving on coral reefs, hunting invasive species, and climbing 14,000-foot peaks—I share stories that highlight the wonder and adventure the outdoors offers, as well as the importance of protecting it. These stories show how the natural world is both a playground for exploration and a place that depends on our stewardship.

With youth, I focus on making nature both accessible and thrilling. I’ve taught kids how to paddle canoes and navigate through wilderness using maps and compasses. I’ve led them through swamps to uncover hidden wildlife and shared the human history woven into the ecosystems we explored. These experiences go beyond education—they create unforgettable moments that inspire young people to see themselves as stewards of the natural world.

Teamwork and outdoor skills are at the heart of my approach. Whether I’m leading multi-day backpacking trips, giving interpretive programs, or teaching environmental ethics, I ensure each experience builds respect for nature and the understanding that even small actions—like clearing trash from a trail or protecting a waterway—can make a significant impact. My ultimate goal is to spark a lifelong passion for the outdoors, empowering youth to become the next generation of advocates and protectors for our planet.

What specific conservation projects have you been involved in, and what impact did they have on the local ecosystems?

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One of the most meaningful conservation projects I’ve been involved in is the fight to restore Little Sugar Creek in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve worked alongside Friends of Little Sugar Creek, a non-profit organization, to remove a derelict and dangerous dam that had been harming the ecosystem and local community for over a century. Built in the early 1900s by a land developer to create a small lake for selling home sites, the dam quickly proved problematic. It was overtopped by floodwaters within just a few years, and over time, it continued to cause dangerous flooding in a nearby valley community, sending hazardous debris downstream.

I joined the fight for a free-flowing river in 2017. By then, the so-called "lake" was little more than a stagnant, algae-covered pool, contaminated with E. coli and unfit for human use. I helped the group organize and lead cleanup events, worked to raise awareness, and stood with others at court hearings and public meetings with the City of Rogers, Arkansas, advocating for the dam’s removal. Despite strong opposition from city lawyers and land developers who claimed removal would cost millions, nature had its own solution. A major rain event caused the dam to finally break, releasing the creek and proving that the stream could restore itself without the steep price tag.

Today, the creek flows freely, with crystal-clear water supporting a healthier ecosystem. Locals paddle its waters, fish along its banks, and children swim in its deeper pools. While some dangerous debris remains and the work isn’t finished, the transformation of Little Sugar Creek has been a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together to stand up for nature—and when we let nature heal itself.

Can you discuss your experience in removing invasive species, like Burmese pythons in the Everglades? What challenges did you face?
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Burmese pythons have become one of the most pressing conservation challenges in the Florida Everglades. Imported as pets in the 1970s and 1980s, many were either released or escaped into the wild when they grew too large for their owners to handle. The problem escalated dramatically after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which destroyed exotic animal facilities and released even more into the ecosystem.

With no natural predators and an abundance of food, the Everglades proved to be an ideal habitat for the pythons, and their population surged. Native wildlife has suffered devastating losses, and despite ongoing removal programs and awareness campaigns, these snakes continue to wreak havoc on the delicate ecosystem.

In the fall of 2019, I began working in Big Cypress National Preserve and was quickly introduced to the scale of the python problem. Although I had heard about it before, experiencing it firsthand inspired me to learn everything I could about these invasive snakes. I connected with local conservationists and removal experts and began actively assisting the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) python teams. Together, we tracked, captured, and studied pythons fitted with implanted radio tags to better understand their behavior, spread, and impact on the environment.

In addition to assisting with research, I’ve hunted and permanently removed multiple Burmese pythons of varying sizes from the Greater Everglades ecosystem. I’ve even had the opportunity to work alongside renowned python hunters like Dusty Crum. Despite their size—often reaching lengths of 19 feet or more—these snakes are remarkably difficult to find. Their aquatic nature, thick vegetation, limestone crevices, and water-covered habitats provide excellent camouflage, requiring a sharp eye and practiced skill to locate them in the wild.

Through these efforts, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the challenges of managing invasive species and the importance of persistence in conservation. Every snake removed is a small victory for the Everglades ecosystem, but it’s clear that the fight to restore balance in this unique environment is far from over. While invasive species like the Burmese Python are devastating, it's important to remember that they are a living creature and deserve respect and humane treatment even during the removal process.

How do you advocate for environmental conservation in your community?
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I advocate for environmental conservation in my community by leading hands-on efforts, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others to take action. Through organizing cleanup events, collaborating with local organizations, and participating in conservation projects, I work to address environmental challenges directly. I also use storytelling—drawing on my experiences with wildlife management, trail restoration, and outdoor exploration—to connect with people emotionally and help them see the value of protecting natural spaces.

Whether it’s educating youth on sustainable practices, standing in public hearings to defend local ecosystems, or engaging with others through social media, I focus on building awareness and empowering individuals to become active participants in conservation. My goal is to make environmental stewardship a shared responsibility that everyone feels they can contribute to in meaningful ways. Currently, I am beginning the process of pushing for my community to clean up some of the local natural areas that have unfortunately been trashed due to drug related activities. 

How did your passion for photography evolve, especially after your deployment to Afghanistan?

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My passion for photography grew out of a need to find peace in a world that felt chaotic. After Afghanistan, I was left with a lot of noise and inner turmoil, and I discovered that looking through a camera viewfinder allowed me to quiet my mind. Photography became a way to focus entirely on the present moment, shutting out the noise and immersing myself in the beauty of what was in front of me.

While I had always loved photography, it became an obsession rooted in my mental health journey. It gave me a sense of purpose and clarity, and soon I found myself planning my outdoor adventures around opportunities to capture the perfect shot. Photography not only became a creative outlet but also a form of healing and a way to connect more deeply with the natural world.

What techniques do you use to capture the beauty of nature and moments during extreme adventures?
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My techniques for capturing the beauty of nature during extreme adventures come from a combination of skills honed through tracking, patience, and a willingness to push physical boundaries. I approach photography much like hunting or tracking wildlife, carefully observing my surroundings and waiting for the perfect moment to align. Whether it’s climbing a sheer rock face, squeezing through a cave passage so tight I have to exhale to fit, or wading chest-deep through alligator-filled waters, I embrace the challenges that come with finding the perfect composition.

For me, the effort to reach these unique perspectives is part of the appeal. The more remote or difficult the environment, the more rewarding the shot becomes. Each photograph becomes a testament to both the beauty of the natural world and the adventure it took to capture it. This approach allows me to tell a story—not just of what’s in the frame, but of the journey it took to get there.

Can you share a specific project or photo that holds special meaning for you? What story does it tell?

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This photo always makes me smile because I can vividly remember the day I took it. I was on an overnight hiking trip in northern Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park, having paddled across the lake to the Kabetogama Peninsula. While exploring the area, I heard rustling in the trees nearby and looked up to see this black bear cub staring right at me. It was one of those rare, magical moments in nature that stays with you forever.

What is your approach to collaborating with clients to understand and achieve their vision for a photography project?

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My approach to collaborating with clients begins with an open and honest conversation. I take the time to fully understand their vision, goals, and the story they want to tell through the project. Active listening is key—taking notes, asking thoughtful questions, and ensuring I grasp not just the details but also the emotions and ideas they hope to capture. By building this foundation of understanding, I can tailor my creative process to align with their vision while bringing my expertise to the table, ensuring the final product exceeds their expectations.

How do you balance the technical aspects of photography with the emotional storytelling that comes with it?

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The technical aspects of photography are tools I use to bring the emotion of a moment to life. When I’m looking through the viewfinder, I already have an image in my mind, and those technical skills help me shape the photo to match my vision and highlight what I want the viewer to see and feel.

Emotion and storytelling are always at the heart of how I capture a photo. Whether I’m photographing a landscape, wildlife, or a fleeting moment, I focus on what I want the viewer to experience and use my technical knowledge to amplify that message. For me, photography isn’t just about creating a visually striking image—it’s about crafting something that resonates deeply and tells a story. Balancing the technical with the emotional ensures each photo feels as powerful as it looks.

What message do you hope to convey through your photography, particularly in relation to nature and conservation?

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Through my photography, I hope to convey a simple but powerful message: life is short, the world is vast, and every moment is an opportunity to connect with something greater. I want to inspire others to chase their dreams and passions, but also to develop a deep love and respect for the natural world along the way. By showcasing the beauty and fragility of wild places, I aim to remind people of the importance of protecting these spaces—not just for ourselves, but for future generations. Every photograph is a call to explore, appreciate, and take action to preserve the planet we all share.

What are your future goals in outdoor education, conservation, and photography? How do you see these passions evolving?

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I’m currently working on several exciting projects that align with my passions for guiding, conservation, and photography. In the coming year, I’ll be taking a deeper role in the guiding world as a certification instructor for American Hiking Guides Association, helping to train the next generation of outdoor leaders.

I’ll also be heading to Montenegro to assist scientists with Taxon Expeditions in researching and cataloging the flora and fauna of Komarnica Canyon—one of Europe’s last untouched wild places, now threatened by plans for a hydroelectric dam. Additionally, I’ve been working on a photography project that will culminate in a photobook, combining my love of storytelling and conservation.

Beyond these specific endeavors, I’m ramping up my efforts in both guiding and conservation overall. My ultimate goal is to open my own guiding and outdoor education center while establishing a non-profit dedicated to supporting environmental conservation projects worldwide. These projects reflect not just my ambitions but my commitment to inspiring others and protecting the wild places that mean so much to me.

Words of Wisdom

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Always remember that adventure doesn’t have to mean traveling to the far corners of the globe or embarking on a grand expedition. Adventure can be found in the small, everyday moments close to home. Explore your local parks and trails, take your kids camping, or teach them the magic of paddling a canoe. Spend a weekend identifying insects, plants, and birds in your backyard. Start small, embrace the wonder in your own surroundings, and before you know it, the big adventures will find their way into your life.

To continue following our explorers Cody’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with them on the following accounts:

Instagram:

@AdventureBoundLS

Website:

www.codymeridith.com

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