PGE’s Project Zero is a program that aims to engage young people in climate science, clean energy solutions, and the green jobs market. For four years now, Forest Park Conservancy has been a proud participant in Project Zero, hosting Project Zero interns and providing them with real, on-the-job training and experience for their future careers. As a matter of fact, some of our current full-time staff members started with us as Project Zero interns!
This year, we have the pleasure of introducing Vonn Washington (left) and Tyler Ellis (right) who have been working with us as part of this year’s Project Zero cohort. If you have been to a work party recently, you may have already met one or both of them. But if you haven’t, we’d like to take this chance to introduce you.
Vonn (she/they)
What brought you to work here at the Forest Park Conservancy?
- I started working with FPC through the Project Zero internship. I was really interested in giving back to the community as well as getting work experience in the green jobs industry.
What will your work focus on while at the Forest Park Conservancy?
- My work will focus primarily on stewardship and learning how to advocate for people so I can in turn learn how to advocate for myself with my future plans to start a business.
Before working at the Forest Park Conservancy, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve had?
- I was event security at a sportsman event which was so fun, I’ve seen some of the coolest things working that job.
What is your favorite quote?
- “When life gives you lemons, stick ’em in your bra and work it.” – Hailey Roloff
What is your personal favorite place in Forest Park? Is there a part of Forest Park that you have heard about that you want to visit?
- I don’t have a personal favorite part yet, I haven’t explored it enough. I do know I want to explore the “cabin in the woods”. I am all about paranormal activity, and fingers crossed I’ll see a little bit of it.
Tyler (he/him/his)
What brought you to work here at the Forest Park Conservancy?
- One thing that brought me to work here at FPC is that it allows me to work closer to the local ecosystem, and to learn more about it than I would in any other work environment.
What will your work focus on while at the Forest Park Conservancy?
- My work will focus on trail work and maintenance. As my internship continues I will be trying other aspects of fieldwork, such as working with our conservation team to manage plants like ivy and maintaining eco plots.
Before working at the Forest Park Conservancy, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve had?
- The most interesting job I had was interning at CityFleet, where I worked managing city-owned vehicles. It was something new every day and I got to see new trails, vegetation, and wildlife every day on the job. I also like learning, and this job gave me a lot to learn and experience.
What is your favorite quote?
- “The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” -Henry Van Dyke
What is your personal favorite place in Forest Park? Is there a part of Forest Park that you have heard about that you want to visit?
- Considering my first time visiting Forest Park was on the job, so far my favorite place is Fire Lane 1, as it’s the place I’ve visited the most. I most want to visit the Witch’s Castle though.