Sustainability Pathways 2022

Methow Valley Fire Lookout Practicum

Museum Educator/Docent, Shafer Historical Museum

Geography B.A., WWU

Environmental Science and GIS Minors

This summer I am working with Mike Liu, a retired District Ranger with the Methow Valley Ranger District, to restore historic fire lookouts and develop educational materials surrounding the history and critical role lookouts have in a wildfire-prone landscape. Working in partnership with the Shafer Historical Museum, I will have access to archival materials to support the development of educational materials in addition to conducting oral history interviews with local community members.

I’ve spent my entire life visiting the Methow Valley and it holds a deep family connection through place. I am drawn to sustainability work because of its intersection with many subjects and the diverse perspectives you are exposed to. I believe my work will always revolve around environmental restoration, environmental justice and collaborative systems thinking.

Regenerative Agriculture and Habitat Restoration Practicum at WWU Sustainability Pathways

WWU, Environmental Studies

I will be working with Doubletree Farm (a dairy farm), BCS Livestock (a livestock producer), and Lucky Shoe Farm (a sheep farm). These farms utilize regenerative farming techniques with their farm animals to protect native habitat. Sustainability inspires me because it utilizes interdisciplinary approaches which encourages collaboration between multiple disciplines. I hope to work directly with farmers and policy makers in the future to encourage better agricultural practices like those I work with in the Methow Valley farms.

Sustainable Local Planning Fellow in Winthrop, WA at WWU Sustainability Pathways

Urban Planning and Sustainable Development, WWU

At the town of Winthrop’s Sustainable Local Planning Fellowship I’m working with Town Planner, Rocklynn Culp, and EV charging project leader, Kristi Skanderup, on a project regarding EV charging infrastructure and implementation. Additionally, I’ll be working on updating Winthrop’s Complete Streets Ordinance to assist in meeting transportation planning objectives, such as improving the transportation circulation network to function better for all users. My interests are in transportation planning and my long term goals are focused around creating more transportation infrastructure that serves more people and moves people away from

car-centric infrastructure, specifically intracity bicycle highways and intercity bullet trains through Washington, Oregon, and California.

Energy Efficiency Research Fellow, Okanogan County Electric Cooperative

Energy Science & Technology, WWU

Working closely with the Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative and Bonneville Power Administration to draft a comprehensive report on the potential for energy efficient investments for the Okanogan County Electric Cooperative. The incredibly unique nature of this region poses challenges I hope to understand better through work with OCEC and engagement in the community. My love for the natural world started my path in sustainability, but observing our impacts have accelerated my passion and eagerness. The energy sector has stood out to me as an opportunity to have a massive impact through my effort.

Cascades Carnivore Project Fellow

Environmental Science w/ emphasis in Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology, WWU

As one of two Cascade Carnivores Project fellows this summer, I will be working in the field with fellow Renee Wherly in the mountain ecosystems surrounding the Methow Valley. Our task for the summer is to document the presence of carnivores, primarily endangered Canada lynx and Cascade red fox. The samples we collect in the field will contribute to an expanding genotypic database and inform conservation strategies and effective management actions for these endangered carnivores in the face of a changing climate. Preservation of species diversity is positively correlated to ecosystem strength and resilience; in other words, carnivore population health is necessary for a balanced and sustainable mountain ecosystem. I am humbled by the opportunity to experience field work in such a beautiful area and to contribute to the Cascade Carnivores Project’s mission this summer.

Resilient Methow Climate Action Plan Initiative Fellow

WWU Business and Sustainability - Energy Studies

As the Resilient Methow Fellow, I will be implementing the Methow Valley Climate Action Plan goals and strategies for a more resilient and carbon neutral Methow. I will be working to increase community awareness and understanding of the Methow Valley Climate Action Plan through various forms of community outreach. I will be networking and partnering with the other practicum positions to coordinate how their organizations can help to implement the climate action goals. I have always been called to protect our natural spaces since I was a kid learning to

hike and backpack. I believe business has an important role to play in climate action and sustainability, and I intend to utilize that relationship.

Land Stewardship and Communications Fellow at WWU Sustainability Pathways

WWU- Environmental Science

As the Land Stewardship and Communications Fellow I will be implementing ways to share student stories and community impact. I will also be collaborating with a local foundation to develop a stewardship plan for land located near Loup Loup Pass. I am drawn to sustainability work by its interdisciplinary nature. Mitigating the dangers of climate change requires careful and deliberate cooperation between social, economic, and environmental fields. Sustainability work deepens my understanding of this interconnectedness.

Museum Educator/Docent, Shafer Historical Museum

Environmental Policy, WWU

As a museum docent at the Shafer Historical Museum in Winthrop, Washington, I will be educating those in and out of the Methow Valley on the complex pasts of settlers as the town grew from a small mining town, to what it is today. Additionally, I will be helping the museum to log their many artifacts into their database, to help them better keep track of all the fascinating history that they hold. I am looking forward to lean more into the historical aspect of sustainability, as it should give an interesting perspective on how we can learn from our pasts, to help better ourselves in the future. I want to make sure that we keep living and learning for many generations to come, and think that sustainability work will help reach that goal!

Intern at Clean Air Methow

Business & Sustainability, WWU

As an intern at Clean Air Methow I will be focusing on the community's needs and questions related to air quality. I will help promote clean airshed for everyone and ensure community members have the proper information needed to understand their health and air quality. What drew me to sustainability was my love for the outdoors and a fierce need to protect it. As I learned more about sustainability I realized this line of work also has the ability to protect people as well, which is equally as important.

Methow Trails Fellow, Sustainability Pathways

Environmental Science, WWU

I’m working with Methow trails to maintain and improve their vast system of trails in the Methow Valley and provide information to the public about stewardship of the trails, helping to improve people’s connections with the land. I will also be helping with the creation of the TWiN Trail, which will provide an avenue for non-motorized commuting between the towns of Twisp and Winthrop. I was initially drawn to sustainability by my love of the outdoors and my interest in the scientific aspect of climate change. As I continue to learn more about the field, I find myself further drawn in by the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, and I’m excited to keep learning and expanding my toolset for sustainability work.

Methow Valley News

Environmental Journalism, WWU

As a reporting intern at Methow Valley News, I have the exciting opportunity to engage in storytelling and conversation. This summer, you can find me pitching, reporting and writing stories for the Methow Valley’s weekly paper! What draws me to work in sustainability is that it encompasses so many things - from environmental sustainability to housing and food systems to how we relate to our neighbors. As a journalist, I get to play a role in interrogating the systems around me, listening and learning from different voices, and moving toward a deeper understanding of what sustainability looks like in the context of a community.

Garden/program assistant fellow, Classroom in Bloom, Winthrop, WA

Climate Leadership Certificate Program

Environmental Studies B.A., Political Science Minor, WWU

In the summer of 2022, I have had the opportunity to work with Classroom in Bloom, a nonprofit organization that works with the Methow Valley School District and community to connect kids to nature and teach them how to grow their own food. In my position, I helped run the summer camp program, combining fun outdoor activities with a nature-based curriculum.

I have been drawn to sustainability for most of my life; once I began to learn about the severity of the state of our planet and the need for climate action, I knew I wanted to become a climate leader and make a difference.

Cascade Carnivore Project

Environmental Science, WWU

As an Intern for the Cascade Carnivore project, we are hiking and backpacking trails collecting and documenting carnivore scat. Scat collection is helping the project in researching information about Canadian Lynx and Cascade Red Fox genetic diversity, habitat range and what their diet is. This information can provide the project with insight into the current overall welfare of the Carnivores as a population. I love doing this work. I have always been drawn to the outdoors and I love discovering and experiencing wildlife in action.