About me

Hi! I’m Molly Hanse, a naturalist, gardener, photographer, and artist living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mni Sóta Makoce. 

My love for the outdoors began as a child growing up in central Minnesota among wetlands, forest edge, and oak savannah. I also spent part of my youth in the north woods. Although my career in nonprofit arts management led me to live in multiple states, I moved back in 2012, which rekindled my connection to the land which I felt so strongly as a child. 

I began gardening in 2013 in Minneapolis. A few years later, a fascination with birds led me to nature photography, which in turn led to a deeper interest in studying ecosystems.  In 2021, I became a Minnesota Master Naturalist and I am now certified in all three major biomes in the state. I am also a Hennepin County Master Gardener.

I love learning about how all life is interrelated and sharing my enthusiasm for nature with others. I volunteer in a number of capacities, including as a Lawns to Legumes mentor, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and habitat restoration projects throughout the metro. I am also an avid contributor to iNaturalist, where I am among the top observers of the critically endangered rusty patched bumble bee. 

I have a master’s degree in arts management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I live with my husband and dog in Minneapolis where I  established a wildlife-focused urban garden. I also steward an acre of woodland and lakeshore habitat in Carver County.