What brought you to working here at the Forest Park Conservancy?
I have been working in the conservation and the environmental field since I was seventeen years old throughout Oregon, Washington, and Northern Arizona. I have been in the Portland Metro area for the last six years working for a variety of natural resource management agencies and conservation groups. After years of being made to feel like not the right “fit,” tired by the lack of diversity, and frustrated at the systems keeping us to bound to the “status quo” I was determined to find an organization that was ready and willing to make changes forward towards a sustainable, equitable future. It is Forest Park Conservancy’s efforts and willingness to listen, invest, become accountable and make the changes that brought me here and to my work with our Green Jobs Internship and Training Program.
What will your work focus on while at the Forest Park Conservancy?
As the Fieldwork and Internship Coordinator, I am helping develop and coordinate the day-to-day work, work planning and training of our Green Job Internship and Training Program, and other interns that may be joining us. With a B.S. of Environmental Science with an emphasis in Applied Ecology and Resource Management from Oregon State, and over 12 years of work experience in land stewardship, including habitat monitoring and restoration, trail maintenance, and invasive weed control I am ready to put my knowledge to work for FPC in any capacity needed. I am excited to continue my work to be a social, environmental, and restorative justice advocate in our community and an additional voice holding FPC accountable to our inclusion, equity and diversity commitments and goals.
Before working at the Forest Park Conservancy, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve had?
I will always remember my summer in northern Arizona as a member of a conservation chainsaw crew. This summer was spent felling Ponderosa Pine to reduce wildfire fuels in Wildland Urban Interface zones to protect buildings, infrastructure, and juniper tree control projects in an effort to restore sagebrush landscapes.
What is your favorite quote?
There are too many quotes and words that have been influential in my life to call any my favorite. Here is one that is resonating with me today.
“How can I become a Good Ancestor? How can I create a legacy of healing and liberation for those who are here in this lifetime and those who will come after I am gone?”
– Layla F. Saad from Good Ancestor Podcast
What is your personal favorite place in Forest Park? Is there a part of Forest Park you have heard about that you want to visit?
The Ancient Forest Preserve is a place I have heard about since I started in December and still need to visit. I also know it will probably become one of my favorite places, however, I will not be sure if it takes the top spot until I see the wildflower hotspots in Forest Park this spring.