A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to shadow and work at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, Massachusetts. This experience was arranged by my supervisor, Alison Schwartz and the Visitor Services Manager Ella Weber, who knew of my interest in exploring and working at another Wildlife Refuge. During my time there, I connected with Cindy Zamarripa, another Hispanic Access Foundation fellow, and we quickly hit it off! It was inspiring to witness the impactful work being done at the refuge, particularly their outreach initiatives aimed at educating the community about wildlife conservation.
Each day at the refuge was a highlight for me, and I’m especially grateful to Cindy’s supervisor, Ella Weber, for allowing me to participate in their outreach initiatives and environmental education programming. I truly enjoyed engaging with the Newburyport community and conducting surveys on the piping plovers along the beaches.
One of the standout experiences was being part of the beach outreach program at Plum Island. Collaborating with their CDIP intern, Jayla Williams, we informed the public about Plum Island and showcased the fascinating marine life there. It was rewarding to see children’s curiosity sparked by the horseshoe crabs, moon snails, and the unique minerals that give Plum Island’s sand its purple hue. That day, Jayla and I interacted with over 50 people and had received positive feedback as many people enjoyed learning about Plum Island.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and collaborating with the dedicated team at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The experience was both enriching and memorable, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to contribute to their important work.
