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What EarthCorps Alumni Do
(partial list)...
Community Organizer at the Community Coalition for Environmental Justice
Educational Programs Coordinator and Trail Building Projects Team Leader for the Great Baikal Trail (GBT) in Russia
Environmental Technician for Kleinfelder, Inc
Evergreen State College student studying abroad in Mongolia
Field Crew Leader at the Montana Conservation Corps & completed my BA at Evergreen State College in organic agriculture
Intergenerational Volunteer Program Coordinator for Minneapolis Public Schools
Landscape Office Manager for a Landscaping Company
PeaceCorps
Project Assistant/Surveyor with the Cascadia Consulting Group. I'll be going to the Vermont Law School in the fall for my law degree.
Research Assistant on Barro Colorado Island Panama. I study the spatial foraging patterns of mantled howler monkeys.
Stewardship Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator for Friends of the Mississippi River in St. Paul, MN
Stewardship work at Cascade Land Conservancy
"I've had a string of jobs that have not been nearly as cool or fulfilling as EarthCorps, so I'm still floating around trying to figure out what I really want to do."
Memorable Moments
at EarthCorps
"The circle-up was the most wholesome daily act that tied together the whole experience for me. There were too many memorable times to count..."
"Meeting my best friends."
"Performing a good-bye dance with my crew at the final retreat to "Miss You Much" by Janet Jackson."
"Removing fabric in Commencement Bay...our first day of work and the coldest, most miserable of the season, but we really bonded as a crew that day!"
"Working with an all-female crew for a day!"
"Joe Pursley welcoming us to "church" on the Skykomish River."
"Riding in F-350 in the summertime with my stewardship crew and having great conversations about random things."
"I loved the cultural nights that EC hosted for the community. The inter-nationals were able to share their countries...these were irreplaceable events!"
"We were doing creek restoration in Dead Horse Canyon. We built some pools in the creek, and 45-minutes later we saw 3 baby salmon resting in the brand new pools. It was so gratifying!"
"Camping on top of Rattlesnake Mountain in the summer...the Mountain Works program took me outside my comfort zone in the beginning of the week, and by the end of the week, I had achieved balance."
"A night in camp with naughty bears and the kids from Orion Center. We had to bang pots & pans and move our tents...the kids were so scared! We bonded and the kids had the adventure of their lives!"
"Frantically trying to deliver a grant application on time...battling through Montlake traffic, driving around downtown to find the building AND trying to get a parking space with only moments to spare before the deadline."
Meet the Corps
EarthCorps brings people together from all over the world to work, learn and grow together. Our Corps comes from across the globe with varying levels of education, work history and environmental knowledge. Our goal is to build a community of young leaders who will take the information learned here and apply it in their own way to steward the earth in their community. Take a moment to meet our Corps and learn about their unique journeys to EarthCorps.
2012 AmeriCorps Corpsmembers
EarthCorps Volunteer Specialists
2012 Volunteer Specialists Matt, Kelly, Joana, Dylan and Assela
Corpsmembers
Name: Kaila Acoba
Age: 22
From: Oregon
Background: B.A. Environmental Studies/Anthropology
Quote: "I'm jazzed to begin this service program. The chance to be back in the NW doing field work is awesome, so bring on the rain, mud and invasive species. The community aspect of this program really drew me in as well as the opportunity to work with such a diverse crew!"
Name: Hilary Andersen
Age: 24
From: Seattle, WA
Background: Restoration Horticulture and Ecology at Edmonds Community College
Quote: "I've always had a passion for the outdoors, and it's a privilege to share it with others."
Name: Avery Bowron
Age: 24
From: Washington
Background: Macalester College
Quote: "I am interested in the intersection of urban life, sustainability and social justice. I spent the past year working as a GIS consultant and exploring Seattle, but I look forward to a year of hands-on fieldwork."
Name: Cory Briscoe
Age: 24
From: Louisiana
Background: Communications and Sociology, Southeastern Louisiana University
Quote: "I served in a National AmeriCorps position in New Orleans the past year rebuilding homes for elderly and disable homeowners. I enjoy biking and public transit. I am happy to be close to mountains and I'm excited about living above sea level."
Name: Emma Cavan
Age: 24
From: Iowa
Background: Horticulture/Environmental Studies
Quote: "I am extremely excited to start working with EarthCorps! I love working outdoors and getting my hands dirty. Just made the move from Iowa, and I'm ready to do ecological restoration work in the Pacific Northwest. I am also looking forward to working with volunteers. Having never been to Washington before, I can't wait to explore in my spare time."
Name: Madeline de Mahy
Age: 24
From: Denver, Colorado
Background: B.A. Environmental Studies/B.M. Clarinet Performance, University of Montana
Quote: "After 3 years of an "organized transient" lifestyle--mixing travel with a variety of work in the outdoors--I'm excited to focus my passion on the urban forest in the Seattle area. My hobbies include bike touring, music jams of any sort and swimming in cold water."
Name: Kimmy Ertel
Age: 25
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Background: B.S. in Environmental Science and Mathmatics, University of Oregon
Quote: "I grew up by the mountains and I love the outdoors. My favorite activities include skiing, hiking, camping, sports, and exploring. I am a music enthusiast and love going to shows. Baking is therapeutic for me, but drinking tea is also a staple."
Name: Mike Friedhoff
Age: 22
From: Seattle, WA
Background: Evergreen State College
Quote: "I have lived in Seattle my whole life and am currently taking year off from school. My favorite hobby is Parkour (urban gymnastics) and I joined EarthCorps with the hope to figure out exactly what I want to study."
Name: John Greiling
Age: 22
From: Minnesota
Background: Animal Science, University of Minnesota
Quote: "I finally made it to the West Coast! Now I want to use my experience in tall grass prairie and Mississippi riparian forest restoration to learn and further the cause of coastal restoration. I am pumped to be part of such a well known and respected non-profit and work with a crew to tackle challenging projects. I love being outdoors, and think connecting with nature with all our senses is vital to who we are as humans"
Name: Michael Helms
Age: 23
From: Maryland
Background: B.A. in Philosophy
Quote: "I went to college in PA where I volunteered, cooked for a few billion potlucks, gardened and lived in an intentional community. After graduation I had a summer internship in permaculture and natural building on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. I'm excited to get my hands dirty, learn about plants, work in community and live in a port town again."
Name: Boris Leonov
Age: 20
From: Russia/Colorado
Background: --
Quote: "I was first introduced to environmentalism and invasive plant management in grade school when I learned about renewable/non-renewable energy, and that started off my passion for environmental protection."
Name: Maxine Luna
Age: 27
From: Washington
Background: B.S. in Environmental Science
Quote: "I am an El Paso, TX native, born and raised. I was introduced to environmental science in junior college, which I decided to pursue as my major. At UW Bothell I learned about restoration and couldn't get enough. Restoration aside, I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, roller blading, exercising and running."
Name: Troy Moore
Age: 24
From: Washington
Background: B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature/Sociology, Pacific Lutheran University
Quote: "This is my third year as an AmeriCorps member. My background is in language studies, education and social justice, and I look forward to adding environmental restoration to that list! When I'm not at work I enjoy music, exploring Seattle and going on adventures around the world."
Name: Andy Oh
Age: 24
From: Washington
Background: Cultural Geography
Quote: "When it is warm, my free time is spent outside, usually on a bicycle, sometimes hiking on a trail. In the winter, I go into hibernation mode. Family, friends and music are important year-round influences on my life. I enjoy working with my hands and look forward to learning conservation techniques with my comrades in EarthCorps."
Name: Becca Reilly
Age: 23
From: New York
Background: B.A. Environmental Studies, Evergreen State College
Quote: "As a recent graduate, I am excited to work in the environmental sector with such a cool group of people. I enjoy hiking, wild crafting, foraging and urban agriculture."
Name: Maureen Skinner
Age: 23
From: Austin, TX
Background: Evergreen State College, NOLS
Quote: "One of the primary reasons I was drawn to EarthCorps was for the opportunity to be part of a motivated community while combining my passions for restoration work and being outdoors. Last year I did a Spring semester at NOLS, then worked on a trail crew with the Southwest Conservation Corps. I plan on returning to school to pursue outdoor education and environmental studies."
Name: Erin Strom
Age: 23
From: Minneasota
Background: Environmental Science, Policy, Mgmt/Forestry and Spanish
Quote: "I love doing anything related to the outdoors, including rock climbing, skiing, hiking, new physical challenges and sports."
Name: Kate Terpstra
Age: 22
From: Washington
Background: B.S. in Biology, University of Washington
Quote: "I have a great passion for environmental conservation, and I plan to make a career out of it. After graduating I looked to EarthCorps as an opportunity to practice hands-on restoration and to continue my education. Favorite hobbies include outdoor activities, music, dancing and eating."
Name: Sean Walters
Age: 26
From: Washington
Background: B.S. in Biology and Aquatic Sciences
Quote: "I grew up in Lakewood, WA and moved to Seattle when I attended the University of Washington. Not long after graduating I joined the Peace Corps and served as an environment volunteer in Fiji for two years. I got to promote environmental awareness and help with coral reef and mangrove restoration and loved it! I'm excited to be back in the PWN and do some great work with EarthCorps."
Crew Leaders
Name: Julie Allen (Assistant Crew Leader)
Age: 24
From: Illinois
Background: B.A. International Studies and Environmental Science, DePaul University
Quote: "In a word, my interests lie in permaculture, which unites promoting biodiversity and providing food and materials for humans in the most sustainable way. This always in mind, I enjoy crafting goods to wear, use, eat and to watch things grow."
Name: Geoff Baran
Age: 25
From: Seattle, Washington
Background: BS in Biology from the University of Washington
Quote: "I spent the past year and a half doing restoration work throughout King County with the Washington Conservation Corps, and I'm looking forward to applying that experience with EarthCorps. In my free time I enjoy watching movies, skiing, and playing with my pug, Duke."
Name: Sayward Glise
Age: 27
From: --
Background: BA in Landscape Architecture, University of Washington
Quote: "My first environmental conservation gig was with Washington Conservation Corps. I signed up purely for a fun adventure. After a few months in I realized that I wasn't just having fun- I was thriving. Since then I have led summer camps on trail building and restoration as well as doing seek-and-destroy noxious weed work. I hope to diversify my skills and experiences as much as possible so can find ways to play outside."
Name: Haddy Kisekka
Age: 27
From: Uganda
Background: BA in Social Sciences, Makerere University
Quote: "Before EarthCorps, I worked as a Youth Trainer with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and as a Master Trainer on climate change with the World Bank Institute. Service learning through EarthCorps compounds my skills and experience and prepares me for advanced environmental preservation challenges."
Name: Marisa Nixon
Age: 23
From: Rhode Island
Background: BS Resource Economics and Commerce, University of Rhode Island
Quote: "I have a degree in Resource Economics from the University of Rhode Island, where I also studied International Development. After college, my desire for hands-on restoration experience led me to Seattle as a 2011 Corpsmember. The supportive community and opportunity to learn from my peers every day inspired me to stick around as a Crew Leader in 2012!"
Name: Thomas Orwiler
Age: 23
From: Kingston, Washington
Background: I studied Environmental Science at Northwest University.
Quote: "I have spent the last year as a corpsmember with EarthCorps expanding my knowledge and skills surrounding PNW ecology and resotration. In my spare time I fish, cook, and play guitar."
Volunteer Specialists
Name: Matt Kurle
Age: 25
From: USA
Background: Environmental Science, Western Washington University
Quote: "--"
Name: Joana Matias
Age: 27
From: Portugal
Background: Master Degree in Environmental Sciences and Technologies
Quote: "Last year as an international corpsmember I had a great time being outside all the time learning about pacific northwest ecology, helping restoring Seattle forests, streams and wetlands and building trails in the backcountry. I decided to apply to be a Volunteer Specialist this year to learn more about community building, service learning and community based restoration. To make people feel connected with nature and to each other is something I feel very strongly about and believe allows for real change to happen."
Name: Dylan Mendenhall
Age: 24
From: Washington
Background: BS Restoration Ecology, University of Washington
Quote: "I first joined the restoration movement as a forest steward with the Green Seattle Partnership. Organizing volunteer events in Schmitz Preserve Park, I developed a passion for bringing people together and learning each other's stories. I earned a BS in restoration ecology where I conducted research into ethnobotany and old growth forest soils. I volunteered with EarthCorps' forest monitoring program and worked on an urban forestry management project at the University of Washington. When not serving as a shepherd for the trees, I can be found blues dancing in the jazz allies of Seattle."
Name: Kelly O'Callahan
Age: 24
From: Washington
Background: --
Quote: "I'm a native Pacific Northwesterner and I've grown to love the natural world through hiking and backpacking. I enjoy making connections between people and nature and am excited to work with EarthCorps again this year."
Name: Assela Ongarbayeva
Age: 24
From: Kazakhstan
Background: Masters of Science
Quote: "After participating in EarthCorps, I will be able to develop volunteer projects in Kazakhstan that are more fulfilling for the participants and more useful for the environment. Also, I am excited about the importance of teamwork in the EarthCorps experience. By working on a team, I know I will develop better interpersonal skills that will help me with any future endeavors, but especially with dealing with volunteers in my home country. Overall, I know that EarthCorps will help me plan and carry out more effective projects in the future."
Externs
Name: Prati Duwal
Age: 27
From: Nepal
Background: Masters in Environmental Science
Quote: "“I am very enthusiastic in local implementation of programs by using the locally available materials for their independency. The hobbies are I like to feel the nature and its protection and their special identification of preparing the herbarium collection and to travel to feel each and every part of nature of world. I believe in practical way of learning rather than theoretical. The major interest I am enthusiastic on working environmental issues of community development especially in field. I identify myself best when I am working in the field of Biodiversity monitoring and conservation.”"