Protecting the Island Marble Butterfly
Written by Mitchell Kaminski
In my position as a crew member for Earthcorps, I had the opportunity to work on a unique and fulfilling natural restoration project on San Juan Island. Partnering with the National Park Service (NPS), we set out to protect the endangered Marble Island butterflies, an effort that not only involved physical labor but also a deeper understanding of conservation. Over the course of a weeklong camping trip, my crew and I worked tirelessly to build a protective fence for the butterflies’ spawning grounds. This experience not only expanded my skills but also opened my eyes to the rewarding potential of working for government agencies like the NPS.
The core of our work centered around a hands-on project to protect the endangered Marble Island butterflies, whose fragile spawning grounds were at risk from environmental and human disturbances. My crew, under the direction of EarthCorps, worked alongside the National Park Service to erect a fence around a key area on San Juan Island. This fence was designed to protect the butterflies’ habitat from threats such as trampling by animals, invasive species, and human interference.
Our team camped on the island for a week, fully immersed in the natural landscape we were helping to preserve. Every day involved new challenges, from navigating the terrain to ensuring the proper construction of the fence. Although physically demanding, the work was invigorating, and knowing that our efforts contributed to the survival of an endangered species added a profound sense of purpose to each task.
This project was novel in several ways. It was my first time working directly with the National Park Service, a government agency whose mission I’ve long admired. Being part of a project with such ecological and conservation significance felt monumental. During the project, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with an NPS scientist who was conducting field research on the Marble Island butterflies. Observing someone working in the field, contributing directly to the protection and study of an endangered species, gave me a glimpse into what a career in conservation could truly look like.
Building the fence was surprisingly enjoyable. There was a sense of camaraderie and teamwork within our crew that made the long hours of manual labor both fun and rewarding. Working with others who shared a passion for the environment and conservation fostered a tight-knit bond among us. We learned to rely on one another, whether for moral support or practical assistance with difficult tasks, which strengthened my teamwork and leadership skills. The combination of being out in nature, engaging in meaningful work, and building these connections made this experience stand out as a turning point in my personal and professional development.
From this experience, I learned a great deal about the intricacies of natural restoration and the broader impact of conservation work. The physical skills I developed, such as constructing the fence and working with a diverse team, were valuable, but even more significant were the insights I gained into the role government agencies play in land preservation. The NPS scientist we worked with was incredibly passionate about her work, and seeing that level of dedication inspired me. It also gave me a clear sense that working in conservation with government agencies could be a path worth pursuing.
Beyond the technical aspects, this project also provided me with a deeper appreciation for the challenges involved in protecting endangered species. The Marble Island butterflies are not just a species in need of help; they are an indicator of the health of their ecosystem. Through our efforts to protect their habitat, I came to realize the far-reaching impact of even small conservation projects. The rewards were not only in the physical results of our work but also in the knowledge that we were contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
This weeklong project has had a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally. It opened my eyes to the importance of environmental protection at a government level and showed me how fulfilling work in this field can be. I now have a stronger sense of direction in terms of my career. The prospect of working for agencies like the National Park Service is incredibly appealing, as it combines my love for the environment with my desire to contribute meaningfully to its protection.
In conclusion, my experience with AmeriCorps, EarthCorps, and the National Park Service on San Juan Island was not only novel but transformative. The opportunity to protect an endangered species, to collaborate with a dedicated team, and to witness firsthand the work of a conservation scientist has shaped my perspective on both my career and my role in environmental preservation. I am excited about the possibility of continuing this type of work in the future, driven by the knowledge that every small action can make a significant difference.
As a Corpsmember at EarthCorps, Mitchell brings a unique blend of academic curiosity and a passion for conservation work. Initially drawn to the intricacies of biochemistry, he soon realized that his true calling lay outdoors, where he could actively contribute to local communities and the environment.
Choosing the path of conservation work was a deliberate shift away from corporate culture, driven by a desire to make a tangible impact and connect with nature. The decision to become a Corpsmember at EarthCorps is rooted in the joy of working with one’s hands, solving real-world problems, and fostering positive change in the communities we serve.
He is excited to be part of EarthCorps, where every day presents an opportunity to channel his academic background into practical solutions for environmental challenges. Together with like-minded individuals, Mitchell is committed to making a lasting difference in our natural surroundings and building a more sustainable future.