In the beginning of June, I will be wrapping up my time as an AmeriCorps Member here at Severson Dells, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the experiences I’ve had over the last few years. When I first started in the spring of 2021, I had recently graduated with a degree in Plant and Microbial Biology, and I was still trying to figure out where my career path would take me. Now, three years later, I am excited to begin my next chapter as a graduate student at UW-Madison studying landscape ecology.  

Throughout my three terms with Severson Dells, I have learned so much and grown both personally and professionally. My work on projects like community science, habitat restoration, and environmental education has made me a better communicator and- if possible- an even bigger data nerd. These programs showed me the importance of involving community members in the scientific process, not just because it improves overall science and nature literacy while bridging what can sometimes be a daunting gap between scientists and the public, but also because people genuinely want to be involved and learn more about the world around them and what it means to do science. 

I can also see how much I’ve grown through how comfortable I am at taking on projects that would have terrified me when I first started here. Training and mentorship from Severson staff members have instilled a new confidence in me when it comes to things like leading school programs (something I was VERY intimidated by), making and delivering presentations, and creating educational social media content. As I transition back into the academic realm, I’m sure these skills will be crucial, and I’m grateful for encouragement and gentle nudges from my Severson mentors as I worked on developing them. 

Overall, my time at Severson Dells Nature Center has reminded me of the importance of finding awe and wonder in the world around us.  I’ll certainly miss being in such a collaborative, imaginative, and oftentimes goofy work environment, and all the people that make it that way. I’ve met so many amazing people through this position, and all of these personal and professional relationships that I’ve built here have helped craft me into the human and the scientist/communicator/educator that I am today. As beautiful as Severson Dells is as a place, I’ve learned that the community that makes up Severson Dells Nature Center is even more precious and inspiring.