Raghav Sriram Yogeeswari moved to Sioux Falls all the way from India to attend Augustana University, where he studied environmental studies with a focus on marine ecology.
“Naturally, one would ask, ‘How do you study marine ecology in South Dakota?’” said Sriram Yogeeswari.
As part of his degree, Sriram Yogeeswari was able to split his time between the coasts of Alaska and the prairie of South Dakota. He spent semesters studying “ocean critters” and marine habits in Alaska and explored “the wild places” of our state.
“Through all that moving and learning, I developed a passion for taking people outdoors and teaching them about the incredible things in nature—two things I get to do now in my work every day,” Sriram Yogeeswari described.
As the new school program coordinator at the Outdoor Campus – Sioux Falls, Sriram Yogeeswari has been eager for the fall to create meaningful outdoor experiences to connect students to nature.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is introducing students to skills they have never tried,” he said. “Watching them shoot at an archery target for the first time or reel in their first fish is truly fulfilling.”
Learn more about the outdoor enthusiast and what he’s up to outside of (outdoor) campus lines.
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE OUTDOOR CAMPUS?
Living in South Dakota surrounded by vast public lands and a strong public interest in the outdoors, I found myself drawn and curious toward hunting. That curiosity led me to the Outdoor Campus where I took part in their Hunting 101 Program—a hands-on experience that guides first-time hunters from range to field and helps them harvest meat for their table. After that first class I was hooked, and I kept coming back to enroll in more programs. After graduating college, I volunteered at the Campus for a summer, which opened the door to a role as a naturalist intern focusing on school programs. It was the perfect stepping-stone into my current position.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AT THE OUTDOOR CAMPUS?
Every day is different, which keeps it exciting for me! One day I might be teaching archery to middle schoolers at their school gym. The next, I’m leading elementary students on a nature hike on Campus. In the winter we take students ice fishing on our pond, and if we’re lucky enough to get snow, we even bring out the skis. The variety of programs and the chance to give kids meaningful outdoor experiences is what makes this work so rewarding.
WHAT’S SOMETHING ABOUT OUTDOOR CAMPUS THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT?
All our classes are free. Our funding comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, so if you like our classes, thank a hunter or an angler.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK?
My partner, Julia, and I live downtown, so we love wandering around that area— walking the bike trail to Falls Park and visiting all the local shops and businesses.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA?
I just got back from a camping trip at Palisades State Park. It was stunning and relaxing. Having incredible state parks like Palisades, Good Earth [State Park at Blood Run], and Newton Hills [State Park] less than an hour away is such a gift.
For more information, visit GFP.SD.GOV/OUTDOOR-CAMPUS+
