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While my direct involvement in these projects has concluded due to a change in geographic location, my passion for connecting youth with natural resources remains unwavering. I continue to support and stay connected with the organizations that champion these initiatives. See more about some of my past community engagement initiatives below.
Humble Hikes Program
Humble Hikes Program
You can't help but smile when a little Black boy tells you, "I'm going to hike the Appalachian Trail, too!" That's what having greater representation in the outdoor recreation space can do for young students. I volunteered as an event chaperone and committee member for the Humble Hikes Program from 2020 - 2023. This Roanoke-based nonprofit organization focuses on exposes inner-city youth to the outdoors and expand their horizons to explore hobbies, or even careers, in the natural resources fields. We have participated in so many adventures such as canoeing, bouldering, swimming, birding, mountain biking and of course, hiking. Since its inception, 400+ students have participated in the program.You can read more about the program here.
Christiansburg Elementary School Wildlife Club
Christiansburg Elementary School Wildlife Club
Fostering interest in wildlife conservation in the next generation is important to me, and to my fellow graduate student peers in the Department of Fish & Wildlife Conservation. We sought out local opportunities to speak at schools, but when there was no program already in existence post-COVID 19 pandemic, I had the idea to create one.
In partnership with the Fish & Wildlife Graduate Student Association at Virginia Tech, I co-led the creation of an afterschool Wildlife Viewing Club at a local elementary school. The project was in partnership with the 4-H/Virgina Cooperative Extension Office and received generous funding support from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Virginia Wildlife Grant program.
Fortunately, this project has garnered a lot of support from the community (there was a waitlist to join the club!) and will likely remain at the school after the conclusion of my time at Virginia Tech.
You can read more about the program here.
Roanoke Parks & Rec Programs
Roanoke Parks & Rec Programs
I've also supported Roanoke Parks & Recreation by being a speaker for their Environmental Education Program. I shared my experiences as a researcher and explained potential careers in the natural resources field.
You can read more about their kid's environmental education program here.
Roanoke Parks & Recreation also hosts the annual "Get Outside Festival" in downtown Roanoke. I volunteered by hosting two events: 1) Intro to Birding and 2) Plant Identification which got the participants to look a bit more closely at the flora and fauna in their backyard! I also had the pleasure of interviewing Leandra Taylor, a Black naturalist and Outdoor Afro leader about her adventures in the region and abroad.
You can read more info about GO Fest here.
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