30 for Thirty #2

By Katie Duane, Monitoring Coordinator, AmeriCorps Member 2012-2014. 

I chose to work with NSEA because of its community-based, holistic approach to stewardship of our local natural resources. I loved that I not only was able to contribute scientific research, but also work with a variety of community members and organizations to enhance local salmon habitat.

Being an AmeriCorps Member with NSEA for two years (2012-2014), allowed me to get the entry-level experience I needed to start my career in environmental science. I learned how to do high quality scientific monitoring in conjunction with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as work with the community to restore salmon habitat. My husband and I then went on to establish an agricultural research and training center with a non-profit in Mozambique. We taught a sustainable agricultural method which helps local farmers, who are in poverty, steward the resources they have in order to feed their families and make a profit. After working overseas for a few years, we are now back in my home state of Minnesota, working on shifting the family farm my mother grew up on to be a more sustainable operation. NSEA was a stepping-stone that helped me learn how to accurately monitor the progress of sustainability projects, as well as how to involve a community in environmental stewardship.

NSEA is a bright spot of hope in a world where there are many discouraging things happening. We see so much habitat destruction and sometimes it seems like there is so little being done about it. Back then, going to an NSEA work party or a staff meeting made it clear [to me] that there are people who really do care and are working together to make a difference. I am proud I was part of the work NSEA is doing. Knowing that they are still improving salmon habitat and providing opportunities for the community to be involved in that effort made a difference then and will have a bigger impact over the next 30 years.