Hello everyone, my name is Sarah and I am the new AmeriCorps member serving at ESLT for the year! I am extremely excited to be in such a remarkable location, working with a tremendous group of people who share a common mission: to assist private landowners in preserving our rural lands in the Eastern Sierra.
I am originally from Los Angeles but have hailed most recently from New York City, where I received my bachelor’s degree in anthropology and archaeology. During my undergraduate experience I lived in Italy on several occasions, where I both studied and participated in archaeological excavations. My time abroad allowed me to explore scientific field work, which is one component of my new job at ESLT.
I became involved in the land conservation movement after graduation when I worked for a large public lands firm in Washington, DC. I spent time on Capitol Hill and worked on legislation for various campaigns across America. During my time in DC I realized that I wanted to work with people rather than policy, helping communities take a greater stake in managing and preserving their own lands. And now, after a stint volunteering on organic olive farms in Italy, I find myself in the beautiful Eastern Sierra, serving in a position that couldn’t better match my aspirations.
My time at ESLT will be spent with our community, exploring various issues in which ESLT is involved. I’ll be working with kids in local schools, organizing field trips on conservation easements, and increasing community involvement in ESLT overall. Serena, last year’s AmeriCorps volunteer, has created big shoes for me to fill, and I am looking forward to that challenge. I am thrilled to be living in Bishop which provides extremely different recreational activities than other cities I’ve called home. This is an exciting change for me and I cannot wait to get out on the ground, sharing the incredible beauty of the rural lands of the Eastern Sierra!
