Tara Muenz

https://stroudcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-tara-muenz.jpg 500 500 Stroud Water Research Center Stroud Water Research Center https://stroudcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-tara-muenz.jpg October 4, 2016 July 11, 2025

Associate Director of Education and Leaf Pack Network Administrator

Education Department

Contact

tmuenz@stroudcenter.org
tel. 610-268-2153, ext. 1301
970 Spencer Road, Avondale, PA 19311
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Learn more about Tara

Interests and Expertise

Trained as an aquatic scientist, Tara Muenz’s interests and experiences spread wide, with a passion for all life on earth including science communication, conservation education, community science, streamside forests, landscape design, nature therapy, and creating meaningful experiences (fostering awareness, appreciation, and action) that bring people closer in a reverent relationship with the planet. She has devoted decades to traveling worldwide, assisting individuals and communities in connecting, sustaining, and understanding the planet’s resources on the physical and soul levels. Muenz practices a “less is best” way of life, often seeking the beautiful stillness of the natural world as her greatest source of joy.

Education

M.S., conservation ecology and sustainable development, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
B.A., zoology, Miami University of Ohio, Oxford, Ohio.

Professional Experience

Associate director of education and Leaf Pack Network Administrator, 2025–present.
Assistant director of education and Leaf Pack Network Administrator, Stroud Water Research Center, 2015–2024.
Education program manager and Leaf Pack Network administrator, Stroud Water Research Center, 2014–2015.
State coordinator, Georgia Adopt-a-Stream, Atlanta, Georgia, 2009–2014.
Lead research technician, Aquatic Biology Laboratory, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Newton, Georgia, 2004–2009.
Graduate research assistant, University of Georgia/Jones Ecological Research Center, Athens, Georgia, 2000–2004.

Publications

A digital mayfly swarm is emerging

Ensign, S., D. Arscott, S. Hicks, A. Aufdenkampe, T. Muenz, J. Jackson, and D. Bressler. 2019. Eos, 100.

Aquatic macroinvertebrate identification trainings for volunteers: results of a national materials and practices inventory survey

Louw, M., T. Muenz, J. Roberts, M. Wilson, and S. Kerlin. 2018. Technical report published through the Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science. Pittsburgh, PA USA. (CMU-HCII-18-104).

Spider fauna of three geographically isolated wetland types in southwestern Georgia

W. Tietjen, S. Becker, T.K. Muenz, S.W. Golladay. 2016. Southeastern Naturalist.

Alabama Water Watch and Georgia Adopt-A-Stream partner with the U.S. Forest Service to monitor and protect watersheds in the Escambia Experimental Forest

Dyson, D.S., T.K. Muenz, and E. Reutebuch. 2014. Alabama’s Treasured Forest Magazine, Alabama Forestry Commission.

Diet and abundance of the southern two-lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) in an agricultural area, southwest Georgia

Muenz, T.K., S.W. Golladay, L.L. Smith, and G.Vellidis. 2008. Southeastern Naturalist. 7(4):691–704.

See all publications by Stroud Center authors

F(eel)ing Buggy: Project TRUE Interns Survey the Bronx River

The interns used kicknets, eel mops, and the iNaturalist community science app to find and identify macroinvertebrates, and even small fish.

Leaf Pack Monitoring Finds Invasive New Zealand Mud Snail in Ridley Creek

A community creek monitoring event revealed one of the highest densities of invasive New Zealand mud snails ever observed in the region.

Dual Impact

A partnership between the LaMotte Company and the Stroud Center has bridged a gap between scientific research and water sustainability through education.

Teachers Dive into Conestoga River Ecology and History

From macroinvertebrates to chemistry to habitat studies, teachers learned how to study stream health and lead outdoor stream studies.

Enhancing Environmental Literacy With Watershed Education in Delaware Schools

Educator trainings and student programs are empowering school communities and families to take action to protect their local watersheds.

PA ELIT Network Launches Hubs for Educator Professional Development

Environmental educators have a new way to access professional development and resources to prepare them for the Pennsylvania STEELS Standards.