People Making a Difference: Sarah Witte

Sarah wields the tools of restoration.

Our recent Grassroots Grant from the Rose Foundation enables us to retain a part time Volunteer Recruiter/Coordinator (VRC). We are pleased to introduce Sarah Witte who will help us bring 4000 hours of volunteer service into the forest over the next year.

We asked Sarah to tell us what set her on this path of service?

Why North Creek Forest matters:

My family (Mom, Dad, 2 sisters) went camping every weekend as a kid: rain, snow, sun, or worse. We lived in the forests of the Pacific northwest, hiking and climbing and enjoying the natural environment lush with flora and fauna. We were constantly reminded, "Don't be an impact monster", we were constantly reminded, "Your actions have consequences on the world around you". We grew up feeling the weight of responsibility, and carried it with pride and grace. We stopped camping eventually, as our schedules filled with other activities, but my little sister and I found another way to respond to our responsibility to the natural environment, we began to volunteer with Earthcorps and other environmental restoration groups, and we simply never stopped. If we want to improve the world, we need to get out there and DO IT!!!

I earned a bachelors degree in Environmental Science: restoration ecology from UW Bothell. I want to communicate the great need to eradicate invasive species in our urban forests, to promote the natural biodiversity that we all feel connected to. If we love our forests, then we must protect them, which the Friends of North Creek Forest is accomplishing on an exponential basis in the City of Bothell. To make a difference, we need to connect the power of the community to FNCF the mission statement: to maintain and improve the ecologic function of North Creek Forest through stewardship, education, and conservation forever. Individuals can have an original relationship with this unique forest, and individuals can make all the difference. My goal is to inspire people to make the leap from "connection" to "activism" through passionate communication, leading by example, dedication, education, outreach, and plenty of empowerment and encouragement. Let's get to work, because in the words of the great Captain Planet, reminding us of our duty and ability to make a difference: "The power is YOURS!".

Our next article will feature Art in Restoration.

Thanks,
FNCF

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