By James van der Voort
Washington Conservation Corps Supervisor

30 for Thirty #18

When I was at Western Washington University I fell in love with this corner of the state and the community that resides here.  I chose to work with NSEA because it is one of the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups.  This works helps me feel like I’m having a positive impact in the place where I live.  Seeing trees reach for the clouds or salmon gain access to spawning habitat that their ancestors used is rewarding. As the WCC Crew supervisor, I also get to share my NSEA experience with five 18-25 year old AmeriCorps members, paving the way for future environmental leaders.

In my first few weeks with NSEA, the crew and I led groups of students with Harlan Kredit, a science teacher from Lynden Christian Highschool, in planting native trees and shrubs along Fishtrap Creek through Homesteader Trail.  It was an awesome experience for me to plant trees with a great group of students and I’m fortunate to get this opportunity often for a living.  I’m also able to take my family to this trail for a walk and look at one of the first NSEA projects that I worked on.

Working with NSEA I have the privilege of working all over the county and with people from all walks of life. My NSEA experiences have helped me continue to hone in on what I would like to do with my career and enjoy my time doing it.