Inspiring A Love of Mother Nature by Stephanie

Inspiring A Love of Mother Nature by Stephanie - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

On the first Saturday of each month, I grab my work gloves, shovel, saw, and pruning shears and head out to my favorite natural retreat, Spring Creek Nature Preserve, to give back to nature all that it has given me. It was here that my love of nature originated after taking a hike down the dusty trail of the Preserve with my parents fourteen years ago. After many years of enjoying the beauty of this natural area, I decided to become a member of the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Nature Preserve and volunteer to help protect the preserve for the enjoyment of the community and future generations. Each month I participate in a work day, helping to clear out invasive species, complete trail maintenance, plant native vegetation, and remove trash and debris. Every December, we engage the community, especially young children, by hosting a bird feeder project where people of all ages create and hang bird feeders throughout the Preserve. This event attracts new people to the Preserve and helps children discover a new love and appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors.

Through my volunteer work at the Preserve, I have helped to create, maintain, and preserve a natural space for the community to use for recreation and relaxation. My monthly work at the preserve allows people to enjoy the natural space as a place for hiking, biking, birdwatching, family picnics, guided nature walks, and as an educational space for school groups. Working at the Preserve has taught me the importance of raising awareness about the delicate natural habitats that surround us. It has also inspired me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science and a career as a National Park Ranger to engage in research regarding the monitoring of wildlife and human impact and to educate the public about the importance of respecting and protecting all natural habitats.