Brent M. Erb, Ed.D.

BIOGRAPHY

Dedicated and community-minded professional, I specialize in the interrelationships between humans and nature, with special attention to the social aspects of natural, cultural, and historical resource management, workforce development, and environmental education.

I am a seasoned park and environmental education center director with earned commendations serving on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard, a B.S. in Natural Resources Recreation & Tourism from Colorado State University, M.A. in American Studies from Penn State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. I am a collaborative team member, creative problem-solver, and driven environmental steward.

Today, I serve as Director of the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, a Pennsylvania State Park with the distinction as the Commonwealth's first environmental education center--established in 1966. Working with incarcerated people, youth corps members, volunteers, high school and college students, and fellow environmental education professionals offer some of the most rewarding experiences. My passion is helping others nurture curiosity, build social capital, and develop knowledge and skills that advance ecological literacy, justice, and stewardship. Prior to this position, I served as the assistant superintendant of the French Creek State Park Complex, the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City – with campgrounds, lakes, swimming pools, and multi-use trails that welcome nearly 2 million visitors each year.

In addition to serving on doctoral dissertation committee, volunteering on a board of directors, mentoring students fulfilling internship responsibilities, administering grants, presenting at conferences, and collaborating with other educators, I have maintained certifications in First Aid and CPR for more than 25 years.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Erb, A. & Erb, B. M. (in press). Bridging the Gap: Collaboration for Equitable Career Pathways.In L. DeMartino & L. Fetman (Eds.), Moving from Involvement to Equitable Community Collaboration.In Demystifying Social Justice Education: Moving from Trendy to Transformative Equity and Justice Practices in Schools(Vol. 4). Myers Education Press.

Erb, A. & Erb, B. M. (March 2026). Research to Riverbanks: Collaboration for the Workforce of the Next Generation. Schuylkill River Watershed Congress.

Erb, B. M. (November 2025). Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center – How One Tree Led to a Thriving Outdoor Classroom.Hemlocks to Hellbenders Podcast.

Erb, B. M. (November 2025). Bridging the Gap: School Counselors and the Future of Environmental Careers.North American Association for Environmental Education 2025 Conference.

Erb, B. M. (2025). Environmental education professionals and K-12 school counselors: Collaboration for engaging the conservation and natural resources workforce of the next generation. (49) [Doctoral dissertation, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.

PA DCNR. (2022). Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center Recreation Guide.

PA DCNR. (2017). French Creek State Park Recreation Guide.

Erb, B. M. (2016). Pennsylvania nature writers and their influence on the culture and landscape of America. [Master's thesis, The Pennsylvania State University]. ScholarSphere.