About The Photographer/Author
Mike displays a Green Iguana to students in Belize
Mike Denega, now retired, began his teaching career at Humboldt State University teaching Biological Statistics, Human Anatomy and Martial Arts. His love and enthusiasm for the biological sciences spread to El Dorado County where he has spent time since 1973 serving the science departments at Folsom Lake College (formally American River College) and El Dorado High School.
Since his initiation of Biology field studies in the late 1970's, Mike designed and implemented an impressive variety of 1-unit classes which offered travel opportunities for students seeking special outdoor experiences, especially associated with marine environments and wetlands. Over the years, students from our community have engaged in bird watching, sea kayaking, tide pooling, snorkeling and hiking while enjoying the splendors of wildlife preserves located in California and Nevada. International tours, under the auspices of Mike, have taken local students to Australia, Baja Mexico and Central and South Americas. Everywhere he travels, Mike carries his camera equipment.
During his tenure as a teaching professional in our community, Mike has received Outstanding Science Teacher Recognition awards from the University of Chicago, the National Research Society, Sigma XI, Sacramento State University, the Mountain Democrat (readers survey award for Best Teacher) and El Dorado High School (Teacher of the Year). In recognition for his work with high school students in the field, Mike was given the Regional Conservation Award by the American Fisheries Society and nominated for a National Wetlands Award, presented by the Environmental Law Institute.The President's Volunteer Service Award is his most recent accolade.
Since his initiation of Biology field studies in the late 1970's, Mike designed and implemented an impressive variety of 1-unit classes which offered travel opportunities for students seeking special outdoor experiences, especially associated with marine environments and wetlands. Over the years, students from our community have engaged in bird watching, sea kayaking, tide pooling, snorkeling and hiking while enjoying the splendors of wildlife preserves located in California and Nevada. International tours, under the auspices of Mike, have taken local students to Australia, Baja Mexico and Central and South Americas. Everywhere he travels, Mike carries his camera equipment.
During his tenure as a teaching professional in our community, Mike has received Outstanding Science Teacher Recognition awards from the University of Chicago, the National Research Society, Sigma XI, Sacramento State University, the Mountain Democrat (readers survey award for Best Teacher) and El Dorado High School (Teacher of the Year). In recognition for his work with high school students in the field, Mike was given the Regional Conservation Award by the American Fisheries Society and nominated for a National Wetlands Award, presented by the Environmental Law Institute.The President's Volunteer Service Award is his most recent accolade.
St. Elias Mountain Range, South Coastal Alaska
The Italio River Alaska ©Mike Denega
Recently, Mike has spent many years as a researcher and wildlife photographer in Alaska. His work with the Migratory Bird Program and eco-tourism projects in Alaska began in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge then spread throughout the state. Mike has processed photos for numerous research and resource management agencies like the USFWS, USGS, USFS, ADFW, to name a few. His photos are used for lecture presentations, websites, interpretive programs, magazine and book covers. His love for teaching, viewing wildlife, photography and traveling has been shared with his students wholeheartedly and with sincere passion.
Nesting pair of Red Phalaropes, Oct 2006 issue, Mike Denega
