Meet the Corps

Amy has a BS in biology from Lindenwold University. She has volunteered at Shaw Nature Reserve in Missouri and completed an internship at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center.

“I turned my focus toward the environment during my second year of college when I learned about the profound negative impact humans had on the planet. Later in college, I learned about ecological restoration and knew it was my calling. I came to EarthCorps to learn and practice restoration techniques and to become a stronger leader so I may one day lead my own restoration program.”

Jennifer has a BS in Environmental Science with an emphasis on ecological restoration. She has had numerous fieldwork experiences working on sand dunes, redwood forests, and freshwater habitats and beyond.

“I took Earth Science in community college and loved everything about our planet! Environmental degradation made me choose my major to act for our earth and the benefit of society and nature together.

Sara has a degree in Biology with a natural resource conservation minor. She has assisted with restoration work in the Chicago area through the Shedd Aquarium’s Great Lakes Action Days and has contributed to research on Bur oak trees through Morton Arboretum.

“I grew up near Lake Michigan and always spent my summers at the beach or playing outside. I have always been really appreciative of the services that the environment provides and am excited to begin working on restoration projects to protect the environment.”

Robert graduated with a degree in forestry and served as a senior field officer in an environmental NGO working on sustainable community development in Palawan.

“I live in a country of biodiversity that is found nowhere else in the world but is under threat from unsustainable exploitation and development. It led me to study forestry and join an environmental NGO to help create a sustainable future for my country. I joined EarthCorps to learn environmental skills and to share my experience in environmental work in my country.”

Emily studied Urban Studies at Brown University and also spent a summer with Bedford Audubon in their native plant garden.

“At EarthCorps, I get to work outdoors and gain a deeper understanding of our role in the environment while also engaging others to do the same. I love the sense that we are building community through restoring our natural habitats.”

Anna graduated with a BS in Biology from the University of Washington Bothell. She spent six months serving as an AmeriCorps member in central Minnesota working to restore native prairie land with The Nature Conservancy.

“An incredibly memorable weekend spent backpacking through the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park left me feeling confident that I wouldn’t feel truly fulfilled with my work unless I were working outside, giving back to the stunning greenspaces I’ve been so fortunate to grow up exploring in. This experience propelled me down a path into conservation work and after serving as an AmeriCorps member in Minnesota restoring native prairie lands I became confident this was the field I belong in. I found EarthCorps as a place where I could continue serving in restoration work and do so in the lands I grew up in.”

Sophie received her B.A. in Social Work with minors in Spanish and Psychology from the University of Portland. After graduating she served in the Peace Corps as a Youth and Community Development Volunteer in the Dominican Republic, focusing on sexual health education, HIV/AIDs prevention, and coaching a girls volleyball team. She continued working in youth & education as an AmeriCorps Member with City Year Seattle/King County and then served as a seasonal Park Ranger with the U.S. Forest Service in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

“As a kid, I was fascinated by the Animal Planet show and later TV shows like Planet Earth. My passions for animals and the planet led me to become vegan in high school and further educate myself about the impacts of our food industries on public health, the environment, and communities. I was drawn to environmental justice and restoration because our future is tied to the health of the planet and I believe strongly in education and social change to improve the health of our planet and communities.”

Ebony has a degree in environmental studies and experience with wildlife rehabilitation. She has volunteered with community urban gardens in North Carolina.

“I grew up exploring the outdoors and learned to appreciate all it had to offer at a young age. My appreciation has stuck with me into adulthood which is why I’ve chosen to dedicate my career to protecting it. The Pacific Northwest is such a beautiful place, and I just happened to stumble onto EarthCorps which does such great work and has such great values. I knew it was meant to be.”

Fernando is from Sao Paolo and graduated in Engineering Agronomic. He worked with the agroforest system and sustainable agriculture and worked on forest conservation projects in college.

“In my childhood, I was always active in recycling projects. In college, my interest in the environment increased a lot. I decided to come to EarthCorps to learn more about conservation to be able to help the world that we live in.”

Hannah graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Environmental Science and Resource Management and a minor in Geography. She is passionate about addressing environmental justice issues and has experience working with non-profits, tribes, and civic offices throughout Seattle and Washington.

“While I believe environmental restoration is a powerful tool across the board, I also believe we need to reconsider the ways environmental organizations partner and engage with communities, especially when engaging with communities of color. I am excited to work with Earthcorps on expanding the ways they can share resources and create change in a way that is equitable and just in the face of increasing climate change, gentrification, and resource exploitation.”

Mahleah has a BA in environmental Studies with a minor in Ecological Restoration. She has recently worked on a restoration project to restore a quarter acre of North Creek forest in Bothell, Washington with the City of Bothell and Friends of North Creek Forest.

“With the political climate full of denial and the continued degradation of the environment, I feel restoration is the light that keeps me motivated and full of hope. I feel energized working with others who want to preserve nature, and from being part of a positive team where we see tangible results. Restoration is something I am passionate about and the community that is built through stewardship.”

Michael studied wildlife conservation and evolutionary ecology at the University of Michigan. Last year her served as a Crew Member at EarthCorps.

“I think we need people to bridge the gap between research and action. EarthCorps has been the perfect way to apply my knowledge and get my hands dirty with people passionate about creating real, long-term sustainable change.”

I graduated from Western Washington University in 2016 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Since then I have been doing habitat restoration work with Washington Conservation Corps and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.

“I am excited to be a habitat restoration specialist with EarthCorps because I will be able to learn and be a part of the behind the scenes work that goes into creating and managing restoration projects.”

Beth graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Environmental Science and Resource Management: Restoration Ecology and Environmental Horticulture. She completed her restoration ecology capstone project with the Green Kirkland Partnership and has served as an environmental restoration volunteer with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.

“Growing up in the Pacific Northwest I developed a love and appreciation for nature. Understanding the importance of natural ecosystems and being aware of the damage and destruction that humans have inflicted upon them compels me to participate in environmental stewardship. My ambition is to have a career in ecological restoration and I believe that serving with EarthCorps is a terrific opportunity to gain relevant experience and leadership skills.”

Alexi just finished her B.S. in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, and has also volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center.

“I have always had a love for the environment, especially wildlife, and knew I wanted to do something with my life that involved contributing, helping, and giving back. After going to college to study more about the field, I found out about EarthCorps and thought it would be a perfect fit.”

Allison did ecological restoration for a year in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the Bay Area.

“I spent a lot of time outdoors as a kid. I had many great memories and wanted to help preserve that land so others could enjoy it too. I came to EarthCorps because I wanted to learn about restoration techniques in a region that is new to me.”

Andrew is new to the restoration field. He has spent the last twelve years performing stand-up comedy all over the United States, Canada, and Europe. His creativity, curiosity, and love of the natural world are embodied wherever he may be. He has devoted his life to the deep connection and perception expanding power of laughter. He has also spent much of his adult life working to improve the well-being of children and dogs.

He has found his home in the Pacific Northwest. “Earth Corps is an excellent opportunity to learn about the environment and give back to all of the diverse life it sustains.”

Austin calls Carnation, WA home. Austin worked for a landscaping company in Duvall which included a large amount of physical work and where he enjoyed taking environmental classes at Washington State University.

Austin’s love for outdoors and his concern for our planet lead him to take action in our community. “I have always been into the outdoors and hiking. Because of the recent environmental issues occurring worldwide, I want to help and learn more about how I can contribute. I also have a friend who works for PSE who has told me stories that sparked my interest.”

Brooke grew up in the Rocky Mountains, where she learned to love and respect the outdoors. After moving to the Seattle area in the summer of 2019, she only became more passionate about the environment. Her personal love for the outdoors and her professional goal of serving communities came together perfectly with the opportunity to join EarthCorps.

Emma has a BS of Science in Biological Sciences from Montana State University. Emma had the opportunity to work on the Red Rocks Lakes Wildlife Refuge in Montana where she was involved in numerous conservation projects.

“I have been a lifelong nature lover and wildlife enthusiast. I love to be outdoors and any chance I have to help restore our environment and community I will jump at, which has lead me right to EarthCorps.”

Ethan spent his summers of 2016 and 2017 completing field research at the University of Maine Darling Marine Center on various insect lifecycle systems and parasitoid relationships.

“My father was in the Peace Corps and has taught Environmental Studies for many years, so environmental work has always been in the family. EarthCorps drew me in with the dedication of the program to not only helping the environment but also focusing on community outreach and leadership skill development.”

Erin earned a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Education plus Communication Studies at Ohio University. While at Ohio University, she worked for Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits were she took people on trips, a climbing wall, challenge course, and assisted with gear rental.

“I grew up attending nature and farm camps as a child through the Cincinnati Nature Center where I found my love for the outdoors and the environment. After working for the Wayne National Forest last year, I fell in love with building trails and restoration.”

Erin studied National Science and International Political Economics at the University of Puget Sound. Since graduating, she’s led backpacking trips for teen girls and taught science with the City of Seattle and Pacific Science Center.

“I’m attracted to EarthCorps because I wanted to build my sense of place in Seattle and the PNW. I want to better understand the communities and ecosystems that make this place so special. Ultimately, I think that deep community and personal connections to the land are key to solving the climate crisis.”

Jayde has a BS in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology from Appalachian State University. During Jayde’s senior year of college, she lead a research project on pollinators along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

“I grew up at the beach and always felt a connection to nature and preservation of important ecosystems. I decided to come to EarthCorps to help our environment from the ground up and to learn about different plants in the West.”

For Jonathan Barr, home is where the hearts at. Through obtaining an associate’s degree at Bellevue College, Jonathan found a passion for ecology and environmental restoration. After college, Jonathan served two years working on a Washington Conservation Corps crew helping with salmon habitat conservation.

“As a kid, I was always captivated by the wonders of discovery and had an urning to learn in greater context about the world around me. This led me to studying ecology, which further led me to stewarding and having a passion for caring for the land. This Earth and it’s ecosystems have meant the world to me and I hope it will transfer that same learning to many people for generations to come.”

Kasey graduated from Boston University in 2017 with a degree in cultural anthropology. Since then, Kasey has spent time working with immigrant youth in Seattle, making coffee and chopping vegetables in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, and working on a farm in Southeastern Madagascar.

“I’ve always been in love with the mountains and waterways and rainy days of the Pacific Northwest. EarthCorps appealed to me as a way to steward and care for the landscapes and environments that have shaped me while also learning more about the land beneath my feet.”

Katie considers Iowa home. She is a recent graduate from the University of Iowa with a degree in environmental science. Her jobs with the Southwest Conservation Corps and the Department of National Resources have shaped her experiences and develop a strong background for a new challenge.

“My grandpa influenced my interest in the environment. He taught me how to hunt, fish, plant trees, and mow the lawn. Excited for EarthCorps and learning new conservation practices.”

Lauren is from Minnesota but she graduated from Seattle Pacific with a degree in political science and a minor in ecology.

Lauren’s curiosity for the environment began at an early age where she explored national parks with her family. “Growing up, my family took vacations to national parks around the country and I was away emersed in the natural world. That turned into an interest to help protect our natural habitats and pursue environmental policy. EarthCorps seemed like a perfect place for me to help with local conservation in one of my favorite places in the Pacific Northwest.”

Lexie is from Minnesota, where she graduated from the University of Minnesota Crookston in Dec 2019 with a B.S. in Animal Science pre-veterinary emphasis. Her previous experience included working at Cedar Creeu Ecosystem Science Reserve maintaining research experiments in prairie ecology for the University of Minnesota.

Lexie’s love for curiosity and the natural environment allowed her to explore new opportunities. “I loved working in the ecology field and learning how everything interacts. EarthCorps provided the opportunity to learn about a new environment in a new role.”

Mariah graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a BA in Sociology and Environmental Policy and Decision Making. Her senior thesis investigated the ways in which interdisciplinary collaboration between social and natural scientists could improve conservation outcomes.

“My love for natural systems took root through my upbringing in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. I believe restoration is essential to safeguard our coexistence with natural systems. I came to EarthCorps specifically because they recognize the inherent connection between humans and nature. I believe conservation will only be successful through meaningful engagement with all communities, and EarthCorps is the perfect place to participate in this style of restoration.”

Mary is a recent graduate from Western WA University, she majored in Environmental Science with an emphasis in terrestrial and freshwater ecology. The highlight of Mary’s college experience was researching the distribution of fungi in the Elwha Restoration Ecosystem, and in Huascaran National Park in the Peruvian Andes.

“I have to thank well KEPT (Kids Environmental Program Training), run by the City of Bellevue’s Parks Department for introducing me to restoration and park maintenance at a young age. I also thank the slough Environmental Education Center’s Lake WA Watershed Internship Program for sparking my interest in Environmental Science and Education. I am excited to apply ecological background in an impactful way at EarthCorps, as we restore the Puget Sound Region one-step at a time.”

Megan calls Bellingham, WA her home and excited to be serving at EarthCorps. Megan has a BS in Geology from Western Washington University, she has taken and TA’d for a class focused on permaculture sustainability and community outreach.

Megan’s interest in the environment began in high school and grown since then. “I took AP Environmental Science in high school and absolutely loved it! Since then my love and appreciation for nature have only deepened, as has my desire to protect it. EarthCorps is the perfect place to be to foster that love and appreciation and also share it with others!”

Milo has worked with the King County Parks Department and has led a project to naturalize parts of Cougar and Squawk Mountain. He’s also built houses with Habitat for Humanity.

“I want to inspire people to make change. I believe the ripple effect starts with one person.”

Nahr al Suha feels most at home in their body and is from UAE. They lived in Chicago prior to this.  Nahr majored in environmental studies at Depaul University in Chicago, IL. Nahr’s previous experience included urban farming, greenhouse management, and working as a restoration field technician in Illinois.

“I grew up in the desert and was never attuned to my natural surroundings. In college, I took a botany course because I was highly invested in urban agriculture and social justice. This past year was my first in the field of restoration ecology and I would love to grow in this field – maybe even take these ideas home or elsewhere where they might be lacking. Environmental issues are closely tied to social justice issues and I would love to live in a just world.”

Rohana graduated with a degree in biology and environmental studies. During that time she worked in a native pollinator garden, completed a service-learning project addressing food insecurity in the community with a vegetable gardening initiative, and worked as an intern for the university’s Farm to Table Food production program.

“My early relationship with the natural world involved a lot of collecting – rocks, sticks, and interesting leaves. Before knowing anything about our devastating impacts, I was fascinated with natural variation and sharing it with others. In college, I fell into the rabbit hole of our climate crisis, pivoting my academic and personal focus to environmental issues. I aspired to serve with EarthCorps after realizing that serving the environment within the local and global community is my vocation.”

Rose worked with plants indoors and out at a nursery. She’s had an intense physically demanding job at a winery cellar and has participated in invasive weeding days with schools.

“My whole family has always loved the outdoors and the natural sciences (botany, geology) and I grew up hiking a lot. I had always hoped to be able to work at a job that gives back, so I began to look for restoration jobs. I’m very lucky and happy that EarthCorps was the first job to get back to me and I get to live and work in the beautiful state of Washington.”

Sarah studied environmental science at the UW for 1.5 years and completed horticultural work with a master gardener in Seattle for six months.

“I decided to come to EarthCorps because I knew the work I’d be doing would be very fulfilling. I’ve had a passion for the outdoors since childhood, but my environmental concern really began after learning about the climate crisis. I’m eager to be a part of a team working to dismantle some of the negative forces that cause environmental degradation.”

Shaun attended Western Washington University and studied Economics and Environmental Studies.

“I decided to join EarthCorps because I enjoy nature, parks, and wildlife. To see a world that is diminishing its natural amenities is heartbreaking. Joining EarthCorps, I hope to preserve these for future generations.”