Bridging Cultures and Nature: Tanya's Path to Environmental Law through the MANO Project

Born in Germany to a Mexican mother and a German father, Tanya’s early years were marked by a blend of two distinct worlds. However, her upbringing in San Antonio, Texas, solidified her connection to her Mexican heritage and shaped her path toward environmental justice. For Tanya, nature was always a refuge; it was a place where she didn’t have to worry about fitting into any specific cultural mold.

Hispanic Access Announces Watertown, MA, as a Pass-Through Partner for the Nuestros Bosques, Our Forests Inflation Reduction Act Initiative

Hispanic Access is honored to announce Watertown, MA, as a pass-through partner for the “Nuestros Bosques (Our Forests)” five-year project through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The project, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, hopes to increase equitable access to urban tree canopy while increasing community engagement and decision-making in local urban forestry.

Hispanic Access Announces Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona as a Pass-Through Partner for the Nuestros Bosques, Our Forests Inflation Reduction Act Initiative

Hispanic Access is honored to announce the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, as a pass-through partner for the “Nuestros Bosques (Our Forests)” five-year project through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The project, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, hopes to increase equitable access to urban tree canopy while increasing community engagement and decision-making in local urban forestry.

Hispanic Access Announces Hollywood, FL as a Pass-Through Partner for the Nuestros Bosques, Our Forests Inflation Reduction Act Initiative

Hispanic Access is honored to announce Hollywood, FL as a pass-through partner for the “Nuestros Bosques (Our Forests)” five-year project through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The project, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service hopes to increase equitable access to urban tree canopy while increasing community engagement and decision-making in local urban forestry.

Summer at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge!

My Summer with the refuge was extremely exciting and eventful! In August we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. It was an amazing event where over 200 people came together to show appreciation and gratitude. I witnessed what the refuge means to the community and the Fish & Wildlife Service. Many leaders from the Pacific Regional Office and other government officials were present and gave great speeches! Overall, it was so heart- warming and although I spent half of the day helping to drive the shuttle to and from the refuge from the local park-n-ride, I was still able to hear about how much visitors enjoyed the event.

Coming Back Home to Show Local Communities Nearby Wildlife

I started my job/internship search after getting my bachelor’s degree, and as a small-town girl, I was expecting a long commute to my future job. With hard times during this election year and the economy, I decided to live with my parents and save instead of struggling to live in a major city without a stable job.

Hello Fall: My Experiences in Outreach and Conservation

Hi everyone, it has been a great couple months of my internship since my last blog post! Something that I have continued to work on and develop is my outreach. Over the past couple months I have tabled at various farmers markets throughout the Twin Cities. At my tables, I educate the public about the threatened and endangered pollinators here in Minnesota, and the many ways that we can help them. In late October I got to table at a Fall Festival with Prairie Restorations in Princeton, MN. There I got to meet many other organizations and people that are devoted to pollinator and prairie conservation.

Most recently, I got to partner with Franconia Sculpture Gardens in Shafer, MN for an outreach event. There a local prairie artist hosted a prairie re-seeding “dance party”. The community helped broadcast seeds onto an old turf lawn and everyone danced on the lawn to push the seeds in the ground. There I had a table to talk about Midwest pollinators, and provided pollinator activity sheets for the kids. This event was one of my favorite opportunities because everyone was simply so happy and devoted to nature. While not everyone knew each other, they still danced and worked together to help this prosperous prairie grow.

During September I participated in the last two Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (RPBB) surveys of the season. On the second to last survey I got to find my third RPBB at the MN Landscape Arboretum. I’m very thankful that I got to see three of them in the wild, and I hope to see more in the future! In September I also got to go on two travel trips with the office. My first trip was to Zion, Illinois to participate in a Region 3 conference known as the SWAP meeting. There biologists from the state and federal side met up to discuss policies and questions regarding the regions threatened and endangered species. I also got to go to Tomahawk, WI to participate in the MN-WI Ecological Services retreat. It was a great opportunity to get to know my coworkers and to learn more about the values and mission of our office.

This past month I have also been able to observe some bird banding at the MN Valley Wildlife Refuge. Along with participating in the Minnesota Bat Festival! I have been sitting in the planning meetings for the festival so it was amazing to see it finally come together! Some of my current projects involve writing up the status of species for a programmatic biological opinion and developing a literature review for the Dakota Skipper conservation guidelines. I’m excited to learn more over the next few months!

Embracing Opportunities: My Journey with the USFS and a Successful Event at Picket Wire Canyonlands

Since starting my role as a Recreation and Lands Specialist with the US Forest Service, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work alongside geologists, deepening my understanding of the relationship between geology and botany. I’ve even published my first science communications article, which has been a rewarding step in my professional journey.

One of the highlights of my time so far has been hosting an immersive educational event at Picket Wire Canyonlands for Otero College students, particularly those pursuing studies in paleontology, archaeology, geology, and anthropology. This unique event aimed to connect students with our regional heritage and showcase the remarkable cultural and natural resources of this stunning area.

When I first visited Picket Wire Canyonlands, I was captivated by its dynamic landscapes and rich history. Inspired by this beauty, I sought to make it more accessible to our community. With support from Forest Service employees, we offered a free tour, which included guided exploration of one of North America’s most significant paleontological sites, known for its extensive collection of Jurassic tracks, as well as Native American rock art and historical landmarks.

During the event, students engaged in hands-on activities that enhanced their appreciation for the area's rich cultural and natural history. After learning about the history, geography, geology, and biology of Picket Wire, participants assisted Forest Service staff in preserving the site by cleaning debris and weeds from the tracks. Their efforts made a meaningful impact, helping to ensure these treasures are preserved for future generations.

Reflecting on this experience, I recognize that my journey is not a rigid path but a dynamic exploration of my interests and passions. While I once felt pressure to follow a linear career trajectory, I’ve learned that I can create my own unique path—one that allows me to embrace opportunities that resonate with me.

As I navigate my career, I am reminded of the importance of patience and trust in my journey. A mentor once told me, “You are not a tree; you can move!” This advice inspires me to seek out diverse roles and experiences, enriching my understanding and connection to the environment and the community.

I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me, especially the recent event at Picket Wire. It reinforced my belief in the power of education and community engagement, and I look forward to new opportunities that lie ahead.