Juan Rodriguez is the director of the Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton, Maryland, a facility that offers a variety of interpretive programs hosted by park naturalists.   Environmental education is strongly supported at the nature center through exhibits, displays, programs, special events, clubs, trips, and volunteer opportunities. 

Juan is a zoo professional and educator with over 20 years of public engagement, visitor education and animal care management experience. Previously, Juan was the animal keeper at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute for 16 years, most notably working with the giant pandas.

Born in San Juan Puerto Rico, he moved to the mainland and relocated to Washington D.C. with his two older siblings and mother. He has a BS in biology from George Mason University and an MS in Leadership in Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education.