I always forget just how beautiful New England spring is. Green grass, budding leaves, sweet air, and, of course, new beginnings! My name’s Jacob, and I’m the new Kerry Mackin Environmental Educator here at IRWA. I’m currently a graduating high school senior and plan to major in Environmental Studies at Dartmouth in the fall.
I’ve always had an affinity for the outdoors, whether it be hiking on a wonderful sunny afternoon, tearing up a ski slope on a frigid winter morning, or anywhere in between. I thank my mom for that: an environmental educator herself, she helped show me at a young age all the wonderful things our natural environment has to offer. And, growing up in North Andover, there was certainly a lot to take advantage of!
Since then — and as my perspective has broadened — I’ve shifted my focus from just pure enjoyment of the natural world to protection and advocacy as well. That started with my middle school’s Environmental Club and a personal environmental blog I maintained for a few years. It was there that I first started to learn about the issues facing our shared home. Moving into high school, I worked to continue that environmental club as well as install a community garden that would go on to provide produce to local soup kitchens. Then came work with outside organizations: Greening Forward, where I helped to plan yearly trainings and conferences related to environmental issues and their respective solutions. Sunrise Movement, where I saw what it meant to be a frontline activist. And then back to my high school, where I just finished working with other students on an addition to our community’s mission statement that better reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
So that brings me to IRWA! My journey has been full of learning, and that process is certainly far from over. I’m thrilled to be a part of this organization, thrilled to have the chance to spend my summer out on the river and, most importantly, thrilled to meet all of you!
Here’s to a great summer!