Cara Coates

Volunteer Engagement Specialist (North, Kansas City, and Central Regions)

Cara grew up outside of St. Louis, in a little town along the Meramec River. It was there that she developed a love for the outdoors and a passion for conservation. She achieved her Bachelors of Science from Murray State University in Wildlife Biology & Conservation Education while competing all four years as a collegiate rower and coxswain.

Cara started with the Stream Team Program in March of 2022 after working in the St. Louis region as a Natural Resource Assistant for over a year. In her position she delivered public programs on a variety of nature topics and outdoor skills, helped with large events, and assisted with wildlife monitoring. Before starting her career with Stream Team, she worked in the interpretive division of the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and Missouri Department of Natural Resources, where she taught a variety of audiences about streams, caves, and wildlife. While working on her Bachelors, she gained experience as an undergraduate research assistant, analyzing samples of aquatic invertebrates to maintain a long-term dataset of a stream’s water quality. In her current position, her primary responsibilities are assisting Stream Teams in the North, Kansas City, and Central Regions, and serving as the Missouri Stream Team's Communications Lead.

Cara is also a water enthusiast in her free time; besides rowing, she likes to fish and wakeboard. She also has a dog, Fjord, who is her best friend and comes on all her adventures with her. 

Phone: (573) 522-4115, Ext. 3892

Email: Cara.Coates@mdc.mo.gov