Heather Grove (Executive Director)
Originally from Orlando, Heather came to Prairie Creek with a diverse background across a number of projects. Her interest in natural burial developed whilst pursuing dual degrees in Geography and Environmental Studies at Stetson University, where she graduated in 2011. After working across an eclectic range of environmental, agri-food and plant-based businesses and non-profits, Heather is thrilled to now be part of PCCC’s growth, where her deep passion for Florida’s native landscapes and admiration for life’s endless cycles can flourish and have a direct impact on this precious ecosystem. A Wendell Berry-an at heart; Heather shares his belief, “No matter how much one may love the world as a whole, one can live fully in it only by living (and she adds, ‘and laying to rest’) responsibly in some small part of it.”
THOMAS NIEMI (Operations Coordinator)
Thomas grew up with both Washington State and Florida as home bases. He graduated from the University of Florida in 2009 with a B.A. in Anthropology, and has enjoyed working in outdoor recreation and aerial surveying in the western United States. Passionate about protecting nature, Thomas began volunteering with Alachua Conservation Trust and PCCC in 2022, ultimately joining the cemetery staff in 2023. Thomas is happy to call Alachua County home and enjoys playing music and photographing landscapes in his free time.
April Zee (Operations Coordinator)
April is a Florida native, hailing from Weeki Wachee. She graduated from the University of Florida with her B.S. in Forest Resources and Conservation and a minor in Dance, connecting her passion for art and the outdoors. April has done fieldwork all over the eastern U.S., from the Everglades National Park up to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, but Florida's native landscapes hold a special place in her heart. Landing at PCCC, she is excited to continue tending to the earth and helping the humans around her. April can also be found at the farmer's markets, creating art with friends, and eating good local Gainesville food.
