From the Field: An AmeriCorps Perspective on Building a Sustainable Columbus
To celebrate AmeriCorps Week, we’re highlighting the journey of our Education and Outreach Coordinator, Sarah Conley. Below, she shares her experiences from the tree nursery to the upcoming Earth Day celebration.
"The work we do today will impact future generations who may never know who planted the tree they sit under for lunch... we may never know the future environmental leaders who will grow from the seeds we are planting today."
I was originally drawn to Green Columbus, because, as an environmentalist living in Columbus, it seemed like a no-brainer nonprofit organization to get connected to and involved with. Having the opportunity to serve as their Education and Outreach Coordinator as part of the Central Ohio Collaborative for Conservation AmeriCorps program has been nothing short of educational and transformative. This experience has allowed me not only to learn more about Green Columbus, but also about the many organizations they partner with across the region.
Learning the Logistics of Change
The large-scale collaboration among these groups is truly what impresses me most about Green Columbus. Along with the tremendous amount of work they accomplish each year, made possible by dedicated volunteers, a committed working board, and Executive Director Shelly Douglas. Getting to work closely with the executive director of an environmental non-profit organization has given me insight into the many moving parts required to run such an organization. I've seen firsthand how much time, administration, collaboration, and long-term groundwork go into successfully making an impact.
Serving with the other eight organizations in the cohort has also offered me unforgettable experiences and learning opportunities related to environmental stewardship and conservation. From hands-on training in chainsaw operation, to service days spent debarking trees, to visiting a local landfill to better understand waste diversion efforts, I am deeply grateful for every opportunity this program has given me. Each experience has shown me the hard work and dedication of those striving every day toward a more sustainable future.
Lessons from the Tree Nursery
Working in our local Tree Nursery and learning about the vital role trees play in a community, as well as how to properly care for them, has been my favorite part of my time with Green Columbus so far. I was especially fortunate to work closely with the team’s certified volunteer arborist, whose passion and dedication have been truly inspiring.
Earth Day Celebration
It is also incredibly special to be part of the nation’s largest Earth Day campaign throughout the month of April through Green Columbus, and I am especially looking forward to our Earth Day Celebration at the end of the month. This is my first time helping coordinate an effort of this size and scale, and I’ve been gaining valuable experience throughout the process.
Why We Plant Today
This experience has opened my eyes even more to the transformation that a small group of passionate and dedicated individuals can make in their community. The work we do today will impact future generations who may never know who planted the tree they sit under for lunch, use for shade at the playground or on their walk home from school. They may simply enjoy the shade, breathe the fresh air, and benefit from the care we put into this work now. And we may never know the future environmental leaders who will grow from the seeds we are planting today.
Moving forward, I am incredibly grateful for my time with Green Columbus and hope to continue volunteering with them and the other organizations I encountered. I remain committed to advocating for the environment, championing these groups, and mobilizing others around me to join in this important work.
