Jason Hardwig was born and raised in Northern Minnesota and grew up with a love for lakes, forests, canoeing and exploring national parks. He has tutored and taught art and science to young kids for over ten years while studying fine art. In May of 2008 he graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with an M.F.A. and decided to move west where it is green year-round. He joined CNI in 2009 to lead outreach walks and to serve as a liaison for the institute's many dedicated volunteers.