Merilee Bradford
Born and raised in the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., Merilee’s childhood was shaped by the Puget Sound and deep forests. This sparked an early dream of building her own cabin and living off the land, fueling a lifelong passion for making everything from clothing, bone art and pottery to preserved wild foods.
​
Initially pursuing youth development with a degree in Psychology & Youth Studies and working as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Merilee's true calling became undeniable in 2008 upon encountering the Wilderness Awareness School. Completing their Immersion Program and Apprenticeship launched her into a life devoted to connecting people with the natural world.
For over a decade as a lead instructor at the Wilderness Awareness School, Merilee continually deepened her expertise in bushcraft, animal processing, hide tanning, birding, and wildlife tracking. Merilee particularly cherished her role as a lead instructor for the Wolf Tracking Expedition, where she led teens into the backcountry to discover the lives of wolves and other megafauna in their wild habitats. Her work has since expanded to include roles as a Wildlife Field Technician for the US Forest Service, a professional cook for Human Nature Hunting in Kettle Falls, WA, and a year as Program Director and Adult Instructor for Earth Native Wilderness School in Texas. She remains a guest instructor for both schools.
​
Merilee is a certified Wilderness First Responder and holds a Permaculture Design Certification. Dedicated to refining her wildlife tracking and hunting skills, her personal passions include hunting, fishing, cooking for people, wildlife tracking & birding, hide tanning, and the solace of a campfire.
​
Beyond instruction, Merilee's deep expertise in sustenance and community building is integral to the success of various backcountry expeditions. For the Tracking the Kalahari program, she will take charge of the hearth and kitchen, personally ensuring that menus, food sourcing, and cooking rotas consistently provide sufficient, high-quality supplies.
​
Merilee lives in Kettle Falls, WA, with her husband, Charlie, and their Golden Retriever, where they are turning their cabin-building dream into a reality.
​