How Volunteer Work Helped Me Further My Love for Environmental Science
By Quinn Robinson, RISE Volunteer
Ever since I was little, all I ever thought about was the wonder that is science and how it is all around us. I recall summers when I would take trips to my father’s house in the Carolinas and explore the creeks behind the houses; times when I would go down the block on Beach 26th Street and pick up giant black ants and let them crawl up and down my arms . . . I was indeed a wild child!
Growing up, I never really thought about turning my love for the environment into a career—that is until I first got introduced to RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity), when I was in P.S./M.S. 43Q The School by the Sea. It was then that a woman, who called herself “Heather Feather,” came to my class and told us about the importance of protecting our local marine life and keeping our oceans clean of debris. It is a memory that I will never forget, for two reasons: she was my inspiration for pursuing a STEM career, and she had our class create a song about the harm of plastic in our oceans. I still go back to find it on YouTube from time to time for nostalgic purposes. I also want to thank my aunt and my middle school science teachers for encouraging me to pursue my dreams, because I do not think I would have fought so hard to make them possible without their support.
Over the years, the thought of pursuing an environmental science career has only increased, as I have seen how quickly the Rockaways is changing due to the acceleration of climate change.
From realizing how poor drainage infrastructure is to where entire streets flood, from witnessing neighborhoods being devastated by Hurricane Sandy to watching how much more sand U.S. Army Corps of Engineers puts on the beach to combat rising sea levels—all of these things further make me want to protect this community and many others too. I hope, with this ambition, that I can create change and help us adapt to the oncoming effects of climate change rather than succumb to it.
Now that I am in college, I recalled my time with RISE and began searching for summer volunteer opportunities related to my environmental science major. I signed up for dune restoration shifts, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Mondays and Fridays, to gain experience that would look impressive on my résumé, while also feeling good about helping out my local community. Looking back, it is one of the best decisions I ever could have made. The main thing we do is pull out invasive species that invade the beach dunes and destroy the native plant habitat. By the time we reach the end of a two-hour shift, I have an entire bag filled with camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Those three weeds grow and spread quickly, so I recommend pulling them out as soon as you see them and ensuring you get the entire root! This whole experience has led me to become heavily interested in invasive, native, and naturalized plant species and botany. So much so that I went around and created a master list of the plant species in the Rockaways. Some of my favorites are Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua)—primarily because of the names.
I will not lie: the work is intensive, especially during a hot summer like this one. However, with a team that deeply cares about its volunteers, none of us is ever put in harm’s way. Sunscreen, bug spray, electrolyte packets, and water are on hand for all of us. Plus, if you have been meaning to work out and build muscle in your body, this opportunity is perfect for that. Trust me: those tiny camphorweed sprouts are not going to pick themselves. Get your squats in!
Because of my experience with RISE, I feel more prepared for fieldwork, which is a massive part of some environmental sustainability and conservation jobs. If I am to pursue the botany sector of it, I know that my résumé will sparkle, especially with my knowledge of plant species and how to preserve native plant habitats. Volunteering at RISE exemplifies my willingness to care for the environment around me and my drive to educate myself further without being told to do so. Given the environmental science field’s reliance on experience and connections, the skills and knowledge I have gained make me a more attractive candidate to employers. That is why I recommend that if you, your friend, child, or sibling is interested in pursuing environmental science, this might be where you want to start. Or if you just want to lend a helping hand, that is cool too. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or background. Community is everything, and the more hands we have on deck to help preserve our small town, the more our environment will thank us. Volunteer with RISE today!
For info about volunteer opportunities, see: www.riserockaway.org
