About us

The Gerhardt Family:

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Rick and Dawn. We met in graduate school studying raptor biology and have filled our lives with children, animals and adventures. Rick works as an avian ecologist and Dawn has homeschooled our four children for the past 16years. We live in north central Oregon.

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Nathan is our eldest, just turned 21 this spring.  Since graduating from homeschooling Nate has worked as an avian research technician for a wind power firm, as well as being the main spotted owl guy for our monitoring contract with the Warm Spring Rez.  Renuka (Nuka Jane) is his fiancee and currently a college student.  They enjoy photography, the outdoors, soccer, golf and music.

 

Jasper is also a homeschool graduate and is currently enrolled with CollegePlus! working on his bachelor's degree in History.  When not playing the piano Jazz can be found in the garden, taking on the majority of chores around the property, reading in hammock, and sleeping in the tree fort.

Aurora is our first daughter.  Just finishing her freshman year of homeschool high school, Aurora played water polo and was on the swim team of our local school.  She is an avid reader and loves to sing, dance, write stories and help with all things raptor.

Willow is our fourth and final child and will be a freshman next year.  From the days of bouncing to the beat in our arms as an infant, to preparing to dance in 7 different dances in our local recital, Willow has loved dance.  Willow also fills her days with singing, drawing, writing, photography, daydreaming, and participating in the family wildlife adventures. Many of the photos on this blog are hers.