About Claire Dacey

Claire is a polymath (a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning), enchantivist (inspires change through inspiration), and guide — shaped by her wide-ranging exploration of the richness of both the human and the more-than-human world. As a singer-songwriter, landscape educator, artist, and coach, she leverages her strong background in the sciences and her fierce empathy to foster deeper connections and healing among people and the environment. Her work aims to cultivate a meaningful, sustainable presence in the world – braiding together artistic expression, narrative skill, and scientific understanding to inspire a sense of place that awakens interconnectedness, belonging, and stewardship. 

Claire holds a BS in Biology from Stanford University and an MS in Botany from the University of Vermont’s Field Naturalist Program, complemented by doctoral work at Harvard in Physiological Plant Ecology. Her scientific research has included studying plant adaptations to elevated CO2 and carbon uptake in old-growth forests. 

As an experienced educator, Claire served as Regional Coordinator and Artist for the University of Vermont and Shelburne Farms’ PLACE Program, where she designed programs to deepen community awareness of local cultural and ecological features. She also creates interpretive materials for land trusts and non-profits, blending her love of nature with education.

Claire is also an artist who works across various media—from nature photography, watercolor illustration, and print-making to mixed-media maps and traditional basketry. Her art reflects a profound appreciation for the natural world and aims to connect people with the non-human community. 

As an award-winning folk singer-songwriter, Claire crafts moving, original songs that resonate with the spirit of the legendary female folk singers of the 60s and 70s and connects to that era's activism.  She draws influence from traditional Celtic music and balladry, finding inspiration in the works of Gordon Bok, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell. Claire appreciates comparisons to Kate Wolf, as she feels a strong kinship to Wolf's style and soulfulness.

Residing in Northampton, Massachusetts, Claire shares her life with her creative teen and her adorable cat.