EwA thrives as a vibrant community of collaborators, contributors, participatory scientists, and partners, all of whom are indispensable to our organization. Our dedicated volunteers play a pivotal role in shaping EwA’s content by reviewing, editing, and enriching it with their conservation and wildlife experiences and expertise. Whether they are naturalists, volunteers, travelers, scientists, practitioners, or leaders, each individual brings valuable insights that contribute to our collective mission.
Furthermore, we are immensely grateful for our growing community of participatory scientists who contribute their skills and record vital ecological data while also co-leading field events. Their dedication and expertise help to advance our understanding of nature and enhance our conservation efforts.
We deeply appreciate the commitment of all these individuals who generously give their time, expertise, and experiences to inspire and elevate the standards of nature conservation and wildlife welfare practices. Their contributions are invaluable in our collective efforts to protect and preserve our natural world.
To our EwA community ▹ Thank You!
☞ Jennifer Clifford | Plant pathologist (Ph.D.) EwA organization collaborator & participatory science program Leader (United States)
“A colleague told me of Earthwise Aware. I joined the group on one of the nature outings in the Fells and was immediately drawn to the people and the mission. Being outside makes me happy, and I enjoy being a part of this group.
Just as important, participating in the phenology and arthropod surveys as a citizen scientist allows me to contribute to collecting data that will inform larger research questions. This is a great way to increase our understanding of biodiversity, which, in turn, will inform the decisions we make on policy on how we conserve and protect species, especially in the face of a changing climate.”
About Jennifer: Plant pathology, phenology, pollinators, urban forest and citizen science... ➔
Jennifer is trained in animal science and plant biology and holds a Ph.D. in plant pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm that we deeply value. We also are so appreciative of the time that Jennifer spends to monitor a few of our phenology sites in our favorite urban forest, the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
“Being a naturalist has been part of my identity for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I loved being in the forest and was allowed to wander through the woods untethered. My parents were fond of the natural world, and I became more interested in birds, plants, and wildflowers through walks in the woods with my grandmother." — Jennifer.
Together with Jennifer, we investigate the wildlife of our woods and cities and learn a ton doing it. Let's add that none of us look at a spot on a leaf the same way we did before Jennifer joined us—and we love that we don't!
☞ Kathy McGlathery | School educator & Naturalist EwA organization collaborator & participatory science program Leader (United States)
“One of EwA’s mottos is “Nature Conservation as a Way of Life.“ I believe in that. I am an amateur naturalist, and at EwA, I have met like-minded curious naturalists with the mission of collecting biodiversity evidence for national data platforms. It is empowering to contribute to databases that researchers in climate and biodiversity can use in their research. I also love EwA’s mission to educate local community members about the nature surrounding them. EwA gives them the knowledge and tools to notice and study it and do that in a way that respects nature. Nature and biodiversity become part of what we notice and care for every day.”
About Kathy: Phenology, interconnectedness, complexity, changes, and citizen science... ➔
Kathy is a keen naturalist and an incredible phenology leader! She generously and patiently shares her knowledge and attention to detail with the team. We are so lucky to have Kathy leading the EwA Fells' Long Pond phenology study and coaching our new citizen scientists and interns.
“I am fascinated by the endless intricate ways that flora and fauna depend upon each other and find unique niches to fill, by the interconnectedness of their life cycles, and by how they respond to times of plenty or times of stress. Our biodiversity is stunning; it is complicated, and it is changing. There is so much that scientists do not understand. By recognizing ecosystems' delicacy and complexity, we can contribute to protecting our biodiversity and climate."—Kathy.
Together with Kathy, we listen, observe, discuss, and record the many activities around one of our favorite permanent ponds. We also challenge our perception of what we see, remaining humble as we witness and learn.
☞ Joe MacIndewar | Environmental advocate & Naturalist EwA participatory scientist & Fells’ field leader (United States)
“With ballooning human population levels, species are slipping away at extinction rates 1000 times the ‘natural’ rate due to human activities. The time is now to act and try to instill changes in perception and promote awareness before we reach some global tipping point that the planet’s biodiversity, and possibly we ourselves, may not recover.
By promoting awareness and education regarding the issues negatively affecting the natural world and teaching ways to be better stewards of this planet, EwA is doing its part to try and reshape people’s current thoughts and perceptions of conservation and overall sustainability. To be a part of that mindset is important.“
About Joe: Outdoors, woodlands, citizen science, camera trapping, spotting... ➔
We met Joe at the 2018 City Nature Challenge event that we run at the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Right away, we knew that we had found a Nature friend—a person who discovers, shares about, and learns from Nature every time possible— a true naturalist.
Joe is curious and humble. He marvels quietly at the beauty and sophistication of Nature and generously shares his knowledge of the local fauna and flora. Joe also enjoys wildlife camera trapping. He started this activity both for enjoyment and to get his daughter involved and excited to get outdoors. Over the years, he has learned so much about the habits of the animals captured in these photos. Some of his records have even been in a mammal tracking survey of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, and they have become evidence of the presence of mammals that were never documented in that location.
Another thing about Joe: he spots quickly! And that is a great asset when we lead biodiversity events! Since we started the EwA at the Fells projects (part of EwA's citizen science program), Joe rarely missed one and joined our side data collection expeditions. So, naturally, we thought it would be great to count Joe as a formal EwA participatory scientist. Done deal! (and we're so happy about it!)
☞ Sara Gardner | Nature-based educator & Naturalist EwA participatory scientist & field leader (United States)
“We, as humans, are nature. It is so important that we understand the connections and intricacies of our natural environment and our impact on it. Our embodied realization of this connection is essential if we are to solve the climate issues that we are currently facing.“
About Sara: Phenology, nature-based education, urban youth opportunities... ➔
As a child growing up in the rural midwest, Sara spent most of her time outside. "I had a deep love of the natural world and an awareness of some of the harmful agricultural practices that were becoming institutionalized in the '70's. I took this interest into a career in urban, nature-based education. I am passionate about providing opportunities for young people, particularly those growing up in urban environments, to connect with and learn about the natural world. I am on the board of another non-profit Friends of the Boston Schoolyards whose mission is to provide these opportunities for all children in the City of Boston. I also volunteer as a field study guide for Boston students at the Arnold Arboretum."
Sara joined the EwA phenology team in 2020. Quickly, Sara started recording data at every single of EwA's established sites!
"I really love the practice of citizen science. I learn something new every week from being with others and meticulously observing an environment over time. I am fascinated with urban natural environments. From thoughtfully co-created habitats such as the Fresh Pond Reservation to the hardscrabble nature of the Fells, which continues to thrive despite all human impacts. It is empowering to feel that we can positively affect environmental issues through data collection and science, as well as igniting excitement about the natural world in others."
Sara is now our Fresh Pond site leader and a regular phenology surveyor of the Long Pond (Winchester, MA) and Growing Center (Somerville, MA) sites
☞ Laura Roberts | Environmental advocate & Naturalist EwA biodiversity walk field leader (United States)
Whether she’s spotting tiny insects, identifying delicate plants, or uncovering hidden gems in the ecosystem, Laura’s keen eye for observing the small, often overlooked wonders of nature, combined with her infectious curiosity, inspires all who join our walks.
About Laura: Forest explorations, biodiversity, an eye for the small things of life... ➔
Meet Laura, one of our outstanding EwA biodiversity walk field leaders. Laura is a remarkable naturalist with an extraordinary talent for observing the small wonders of nature. Her keen eye for detail allows her to spot and wonder about a wide variety of organisms, from slime molds and fungi to insects and plants. Laura's deep knowledge and passion for the natural world make her insights both educational and inspiring. Her enthusiasm for sharing her discoveries and insights enriches the experience for everyone involved. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and perceptive observer leading our team!
“The more time I have worked as part of Earthwise Aware’s community, the more intuitively I have felt my connection to the environment around me and the effects my actions have on our ecosystems and the larger global system. This organization is doing important work to confront the environmental crisis that many among us so deeply fear.”
About Mike: Forests, pools, ecology, ecosystems, ecocentrism and environmental ethics... ➔
Mike is an editorial collaborator and field leader for Earthwise Aware. Mike has had a broad range of academic interests, from ecology and chemistry to philosophy and American literature. He eventually graduated with a B.A. in English from Harvard University in 2017. He attended EwA's citizen science field sessions in the early summer of 2019 and quickly started contributing new ideas to EwA's content and programs.
Mike grew up in northeastern Massachusetts, and the Boston area's ecosystems have offered him a place of solitude, peace, and wonder. He has found priceless companionship in the hills, ponds, fields, beaches, marshes, vernal pools, and forests of Massachusetts and the broader New England area.
Mike is excited to advocate with us for the thoughtful and ethical stewardship of Nature. He believes that one can engage with ecological ethics anywhere, at any moment, and is passionate about promoting and reestablishing this way of thinking in the United States and beyond.
We are thrilled to have Mike with us, helping to anchor and deepen EwA's ecological and ethics guides and collaborating in our various programs!
☞ Lisa DiRocco | Environmental advocate & Naturalist EwA participatory scientist & field leader (United States)
“I am mostly involved with Habitat Fragmentation initiatives with EwA but value all the EwA citizen science work that is done. Being part of this community allows me to give back to the Fells and learn in the process. It is a lot of fun to participate with so many like-minded nature enthusiasts.“
About Lisa: A love of the outdoors, forest health mapping, habitat fragmentation, biopollution... ➔
Lisa is a retired market researcher who loves to hike. Being outdoors and in nature has so many benefits for both body and mind. She lives very close to the Middlesex Fells Reservation and spends much time on the trails.
"I think the Middlesex Fells are a treasure, like our national parks, and need to be preserved for all to enjoy now and in the future. If we all do a little bit now, it can make a big difference."–Lisa
Lisa joined to learn about what she sees in the woods. She joined EwA's team in 2020, and it did not take long before she took a lead role in helping map the health of the forest, focusing on bio-pollution and habitat fragmentation.
☞ Bill MacIndewar | Science teacher & Naturalist EwA participatory scientist & Fells’ field leader (United States)
“As a Science teacher, I am passionate about helping students develop the knowledge and confidence to take on an active role in the world. Education is key to empowering the next generation, and EwA’s role in attracting, educating, and retaining citizen scientists is something that I truly appreciate and support.”
About Bill: Nature, youth, knowledge, education, science & empowerment... ➔
Bill has been with us ever since his brother Joe invited him to join one of our field sessions in 2018. Together, we marvel at, discover, document, and monitor EwA's biodiversity study sites in the Middlesex Fells Reservation (a.k.a. the Fells).
Bill is a tranquil force and an efficient and enthusiastic presence in our team. Wandering in the Fells, where we run 75% of our citizen science programs and enjoying the moment (and the work) is becoming our Fells team's specialty and pleasure: we regularly spend hours together without realizing that 3-4 hours just flew by!
Bill has always loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time with his brother Joe, exploring and learning about the world of nature. Bill earned a BA in Biology from Colby College in Waterville, ME, and a Masters in Science Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, MA. He has been a Science teacher at Parker Middle School in Reading (Massachusetts) for 30 years and continues to love working with young people and watching them learn and grow.
☞ Yvonne Liu-Constant | Early childhood teacher educator & Naturalist EwA participatory scientist & field leader (United States)
“The environmental educator David Sobel stated, “If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.” As an educator, I believe it is urgent to teach children to love nature, respect biodiversity, and understand that we are interconnected with all beings.”
About Yvonne: The healing power of nature, arthropod, phenology, early childhood education... ➔
Yvonne teaches early childhood education at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She is the founder and a leader for Math Play, a group of playful, curious, and motivated educators gathering here and in real life to study how to make math more playful and play more mathfully.
"When I signed up for EwA participatory science program, I expected it to increase my knowledge of local flora and fauna and be good for my profession as a teacher educator of STEM in early childhood. The joy of making new friends and the healing energy of visiting the woods weekly turned out to be the saving grace during the pandemic for me. Nature is truly good for the soul."
Yvonne joined the Fells' team in August 2020. She started by contributing to the arthropod survey and quickly found her naturalist call with the phenology survey team. Ever since, Yvonne has been out there on a weekly basis documenting the seasonal changes in the fauna and flora around the Long Pond. We're lucky to have such a diligent observer on board!
“There is a lot of energy in the EwA programs. It is the kind of energy that has the right momentum to make a difference, and I want to be part of that.”
About Kathleen: Natural history, moths and butterflies, documenting arthropods... ➔
Insects and plants were a huge part of Kathleen's childhood. Kathleen grew up in the country, and her parents taught her to be kind to nature.
"I've only just started to rekindle the excitement I always had for nature but with a new passion for knowledge and education."
Kathleen joined EwA's arthropod documenters team in 2021. She is a fantastic spotter, a great birder, and a lover of lepidopterans (moths and butterflies). It's fun to have Kathleen as part of our community. She genuinely shares her knowledge about and unmatched enthusiasm for natural history. We realized quickly that she would be a great addition to our leader's team, so now she is also one of our field leaders.
“I strongly believe in EwA’s data transparency, community, and co-creative conservation values. I am excited to be part of an organization that refuses to create a hierarchy between scientists and non-scientists and instead recognizes the valuable skill sets and knowledge we all have to offer.“
About Mina: Natural history, ecology, climate change, collaborative science... ➔
Mina graduated from Lesley University with a degree in Environmental Studies. She has lived in Massachusetts most of her life and grew up exploring places like the Middlesex Fells and Habitat in Belmont.
Mina's interest in natural history took root during a New England field studies course at Lesley. This course involved learning about ecology and plant identification at local parks and urban wilds. One of these sites was the Middlesex Fells.
“Seeing the Fells through a naturalistic lens instead of a purely recreational one fundamentally changed my perception of the space. I began to pay attention to places differently, noting not only individual species but also the relationships between these species and their environments and interspecies interactions. Observing and recording these kinds of details over time can show us the effects of climate change on biodiversity and inform how we protect that biodiversity.”
Mina is interested in how human health, mindset, and behavior inform the understanding and treatment of land. She interned with the organization Green Cambridge to compile a history of the Alewife district. This work, which drew heavily from citizen-created histories of the Alewife, affirmed her belief in the power of co-creative science. Mina is highly enthusiastic about EwA’s collaborative scientific approach and has done wonders during her 2020 EwA summer internship focusing on phenology. Since then, Mina joined our organization as a GIS consultant to help with its Fells habitat fragmentation study. One also gets a chance to read Mina's blog about EwA's monthly Fells Forest Exploration walks.
☞ Linda Williams | Environmental advocate & Naturalist EwA participatory scientist & field leader (United States)
“Working with EwA is a way to connect with nature while capturing vital data which not only informs DCR resource management but also contributes to a worldwide set of data on the impact of climate change…”
About Linda: Learning about nature, phenology, biopollution, Fells usage monitoring, vernal pool documentation... ➔
"Each day I am in the woods with EwA, I learn something new and am continually awed by nature. The enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers is contagious."–Linda
Linda joined EwA's Fells phenology and habitat fragmentation surveys in 2022. Quickly, Linda committed to the Bellevue Pond site and is now our leader at this location. We can truly say that the various projects that Linda is involved with would not be as successful without her dedication. Linda is a natural communicator, and she represents EwA at outreach events and helps tailor our outreach messages.
It's a pleasure to have Linda as part of the EwA family. We look forward to hiking the Fells trails together for many years to protect the reservation so much better than it is now!
“EwA has taught me a lot of new knowledge, and it allows me to be in touch with the field in which I want to work. EwA also shows me daily that many people are working in favor of environmental conservation, and being able to participate in this wonderful group brings me a lot of personal satisfaction.”
Esther's Reason for joining EwA. "The transformation of the world for the better happens from the collective to the collective through the action of everyone who somehow collaborates for this change. EwA is exactly that: a group of people who came together to make the world a better place for all species that share it. Together with other groups around the world, it is part of a beautiful movement of respect and appreciation for nature and life. When I met EwA, I did not doubt that I wanted to collaborate with them."
Why is Biodiversity important for Esther?"We share the planet with thousands of other species. We evolved together on Earth and are co-dependent on each other. In this way, we are part of nature. Biodiversity forms a web that connects all living individuals on the planet. If part of this web breaks down, little by little, the whole web is compromised. So it is our duty to invest all our efforts to protect all of this. Respecting the existence of all the other species that share the world with us is respect for our existence."
Esther was born in Brazil and spent a year in the Boston Area, where she found EwA's volunteering opportunities. Esther is involved in many projects, from surveying in the field when she was in the Boston area to developing an invasive pocket field guide with our interns. Esther is now back in Brazil, and we hope to have her back in the field one day soon; meanwhile, it is a delight to have Esther keep working with us on ecological knowledge development on control methods for dealing with invasive flora.
☞ Kristian Demary | Ecologist (Ph.D.) EwA participatory scientist & field leader (United States)
“Insects are the little things that run the world. Unfortunately, we are losing insects on a global scale. (…) Being able to observe plant and insect interactions will allow us to make recommendations about what plants are particularly important for supporting insect populations.“
About Kristian: The little things that run the world, biodiversity, entomology... ➔
"We are rapidly losing biodiversity; therefore, tracking biodiversity over time and space is important."–Kristian
Kristian's love of nature started at a very early age. She received a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College. She then pursued a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Tufts University. At Tufts, Kristian studied the courtship behavior of fireflies. Her post-doctoral research was on honeybee behavior and the fungal infection Nosema spp., at the Best Bees Company. Kristian also teaches Environmental Science at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Kristian's preferred EwA site of action is at the Somerville Community Growing Center. There, Kristian focuses on EwA's entomology surveys. Since Kristian joined EwA's Buggy project in May 2023, she rapidly got the handle on the Buggy app and is now our top EwA Buggy observer! Have a look at the many interactions between arthropod species that Kristian has documented to date: here. We also greatly appreciate Kristian's review and editing work, helping our interns, and developing valuable ecological knowledge. Thanks, Kristian, for all the work you do for EwA!
☞ Kate Estrop | Free-lance graphic designer and illustrator & Arthopod enthusiast EwA participatory scientist & field leader (United States)
“Earthwise Aware’s mission, to engage through citizen science, speaks to me as a person trained in the humanities with many interests in the life sciences. I believe that the best way for people to truly care about, and then act on, the needs of their environment is for them to see the natural world up-close: smell the buds, follow the path of ants, and hear birdsong on a spring morning. EwA’s programming, both in educational sessions and volunteering opportunities, allows for this closeness.”
About Kate: The love of bugs, immersive learning, nature photography...➔
Kate (they/them) is a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and bug nerd. Their formal education path began in the humanities and meandered to the visual arts, but their informal, immersive learning of the natural world began as a child, listening to scissor grinder cicadas every summer evening in the Midwest. During the pandemic, they received a macro clip-on lens for their phone and have captured little faces ever since. You can find them weekly with EwA at Fresh Pond in Cambridge, hunting (and documenting) bugs.
"Growing up in a small city with a big backyard and spending many weekends on the family farm, I have never been far from nature. The song of a redwing blackbird takes me back to those days on the farm with Gram, walking to the horse pasture and searching for snakes in the ditches. Even as I type this now, in a bigger city with a small backyard, I am surrounded by biodiversity: the tiny jumping spider I found in the kitchen sink and relocated to a plant on the porch; the sparrows, cardinals, and mourning doves that raid my bird feeder each day and play out their bird dramas while we eat lunch; the four different types of trees I can see right now out my office window, which host so much life from fungus to insects to birds and squirrels (and probably raccoons and possums too, though I haven't been lucky enough to meet them yet). The "environment" isn't a buzzword, news piece, or something intangible I'm supposed to pay attention to for the sake of the future. It's literally my environment: what is above, below, and surrounding me at all times, whether I'm outside or inside, and I'm a part of it."–Kate
“I love being out amongst the trees, the birds, the bees. I am learning so much by documenting the weekly changes at Fresh Pond as part of the EwA team.”
About Joanne: Fresh Pond phenology, meadow entomofauna, community building... ➔
In 2021, Joanne discovered the monthly EwA almanacs that share the natural history of the Lusitania meadow we survey weekly at the Fresh Pond reservation. She later found a few of us documenting phenology and biodiversity around Lusitania. Joanne quickly got the bug! She joined EwA's Fresh Pond phenology leader team in 2021 and has been recording weekly the life stories of the meadow since then, helping us to fill critical data gaps and enriching the EwA urban climate and biodiversity knowledge database. Joanne also co-leads EwA's participatory science training sessions and represents EwA at outreach events.
"The work of EwA is important to document the subtle changes taking place due to climate change, habitat degradation, as well as habitat restoration, etc. It's a small contribution I can make as an individual, learning all the time and belonging to a warm and supportive community of folks who care about the natural world."–Joanne.
The stories of the meadow would not be the same without Joanne's careful observations. It's a pleasure to spend time with her in the field. We look forward to enjoying Joanne for the many years to come to help nurture a much-needed meadow and foster a robust human community attentive to the needs of Lusitania, its micro-habitats, and its inhabitants!
“Caring for the environment is equivalent to caring for ourselves.“
“At EwA, everyone is always ready to learn from each other and help each other out. I feel comfortable reaching out whenever I have a problem, knowing they’ll listen and offer support.“
About Xiaochen Sherry: Love of nature, ecological data collection and visualization, statistics in the making... ➔
Xiaochen initially interned with EwA in the fall of 2021, immersing herself in phenology studies and contributing valuable new visualizations to our research. We're thrilled to welcome Xiaochen back, this time delving into the data aspect of EwA's biodiversity and climate studies. Together, we have exciting plans in store. Stay tuned for updates!
"I grew up in a traditional Chinese environment that emphasizes harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, which sparked my interest in the natural world from a young age. During my undergraduate studies at Tufts University, I was introduced to EwA during a forest walk at the Fells. This experience led to an internship opportunity as a phenology intern for a semester, where I not only deepened my understanding of ecology but also gained valuable skills in field data collection. Currently, I'm pursuing a master's degree in statistics at Georgia Tech, and I'm eager to continue contributing to EwA from a data analytics perspective."
“It is so inspiring to see so many people who do not necessarily have an academic background in the biological sciences that are so knowledgeable and passionate about the work they do. By being in the field with EwA’s citizen scientists, I have learned so much more about the natural world than I have ever learned by sitting in a classroom.“
About Kate: Exploring nature, environmental justice, conservation activism... ➔
Kate was born and raised in Maryland, near countless hiking and nature trails. As an avid runner, she has always loved exploring new trails, inspiring her love for nature and being outdoors. However, her passion for conservation did not come until she began pursuing her undergraduate degree at Brandeis University, where she currently continues to explore this passion as a Biology and Environmental Studies double major.
In addition to her love for conservation, Kate is an aspiring environmental activist and has been a member of several environmental justice movements. She hopes to be able to continue her work in both conservation and activism after college in a career that ideally combines the two.
“Conservation is extremely important because the world is one large, interconnected ecosystem. We depend on our planet for survival, and all of our actions have an impact on the global system. We owe it to our planet and its inhabitants to learn more about the natural world, increase our awareness of our surroundings, and do everything possible to protect it."
Kate was a 2021 EwA summer intern and returned to do her senior research project in 2022-2023 with us. It was wonderful having her dig into the phenology of oaks at one of our sites to understand better how oaks respond to climate change in Massachusetts! In Early 2023, she published EwA's annual pheno report, which caught the attention of a few of our partners. Read more about Kate's research project (thesis) » here.
Kate has graduated and is excited to stay and volunteer with the EwA community. She feels strongly about EwA’s mission to protect biodiversity and educate and empower as many people as possible.
“You can remove all the birds and still have a forest, but if you remove all the fungi, the forest will die.”
“I can think of no one who’s doing better work on behalf of the beleaguered natural world than Claire O‘Neill. Her excellent non-profit organization, EwA, deserves international attention.”
About Larry: Fascinating fungi, travel writing, natural history and systems... ➔
Lawrence (aka Larry) Millman has written 18 books, almost all of which focus in some way on the natural world. He has spent a considerable time in the Arctic and Subarctic among Inuit, Innu, and Cree elders who have a devout relationship with the land but whose offspring have a devout relationship only with their computers and televisions.
Larry is a mycologist who has documented fungi on quite a few walks with EwA. What he especially likes about these walks is that they’re genuinely contextual — i.e., they focus on the connections between different organisms rather than looking at a particular species of plant, bird, insect, or fungus in a vacuum. To quote John Muir: “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” (...) 'Claire O’Neill, whom I think of as a contemporary update of John Muir, could have made that statement herself!'–Lawrence Millman
☞ Matt Gage and Joe Martinez | Herpetologists EwA science collaborators (United States)
“We must realize we are stakeholders in wildlife and habitat management. Engagement prevents us from both the mismanagement of and detachment from these precious resources.“ –Matt
“In this current state of declining numbers of species and populations, supporting efforts to preserve and even expand the number of species and populations is essential. A world that’s not teeming with amphibians and reptiles would be a sad world indeed.“ –Joe
About Joe & Matt: Local conservation & outreach, frogs & salamanders, citizen science... ➔
Joe and Matt are both herpetologists at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology (Cambridge, Massachusetts). Both share with us their love and enthusiasm for reptiles and amphibians.
We met Joe in the context of a Citizen Science program at the Mount Auburn Cemetery, where he and a group of citizen scientists monitor a little vernal pool and its inhabitants. We really enjoyed his protocol and appreciated the care that Joe takes to minimize our impact on those habitats. As for Matt, we were familiar with his 2011 survey of the amphibians of the Fells. As it happens, Matt was Joe's mentee a few years back, and are now colleagues at the Museum.
When learning that the Middlesex Fells Reservation hosts some 110 vernal pools, half of which not yet certified, we realized that certifying the candidate pools could be a great base for a community-based science program. We proposed a collaboration to Matt and Joe focused on raising awareness about wetland habitats, documenting them scientifically for the purpose of certifying them so that they gain added State protection.
Here we are today running this project together! With Joe and Matt, we are blessed to gain genuine herpetology expert knowledge every time we get out in the field. We just love it!
“Whether I’m walking in the woods or a neighborhood, I notice the trees, bugs, birds, etc. more deeply than ever. I feel like I’m really ‘seeing’ nature now.”
About Jill: Protecting the Fells, Bellevue Pond phenology, being in nature... ➔
Jill joined EwA's Bellevue Pond phenology site in November 2023 and quickly became a dedicated regular at the site. Her commitment allows us to gather robust data on both phenology and the usage of the Fells at this location. Jill's dedication to improving the Fells for its habitats and inhabitants is truly appreciated. Thank you, Jill, for your invaluable contribution!
"As a recent retiree, I was looking for a place to devote my time. I desired a pursuit that benefits the community and offers purpose and personal growth. EwA checks these boxes. A longtime walker and hiker in the Fells, my EwA work lets me give back to this precious recreational gem while elevating awareness of the need to be kind to the Fells. I continually learn and I deepen my appreciation for wildlife. "–Jill.
“EwA’s work is so important, especially in the world we live in today. EwA gives everyone, both the experienced naturalist and the beginner, the opportunity to connect with nature and the world around them. Through exploration walks, phenology monitoring sessions, and more, they are modeling respectful and ethical practices for being in the forest.”
"There are so many amazing plants and animals just in the Fells that I feel so lucky to get to experience, like ghost pipe, bloodroot, wood frogs, all the different birds, and so much more. These organisms all deserve our respect and advocacy on their behalf.
There is so much biodiversity on this planet, and just knowing that fact is so special. Every one of us is connected, humans, plants, and animals, and we have a responsibility to protect each other."–Ashley
Ashley joined the EwA's Fells phenology team and the EwA's trail surveys (including invasive, biopollution, and usage projects) in 2022. Ashley is a TerraCorps member with the Friends of the Fells and is our in-the-field liaison with the organization. Ashley graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2022 with a bachelor's in Environmental Conservation and Sustainability.
Ashley has always enjoyed being outdoors, and her family often went kayaking or hiking when she was growing up. She discovered and developed her interest in conservation and the natural world in college, taking various ecology and natural resource-based courses.
It's a pleasure to have Ashley as part of the EwA family. We look forward to enjoying Ashley's attentive and caring presence in the forest to help restore its habitats to a state where they can sustain their specific fauna and flora!
“There’s always something new to learn about our environment! With every new piece of knowledge, I feel motivated to observe the world more closely, to care about each member and mechanism of Earth’s ecosystems more deeply, and to figure out how to use my skills to help others do the same. I’m excited for the EwA library to become a hub for new ideas, passion projects, and friendships for the members of our volunteer community!“
About Ashley: EwA knowledge library, learning about our environment, sharing information and resources... ➔
"I grew up exploring the New England coast with my Jamaican family, who were as new to the environment as adults as I was as a kid. Spending time together in nature gave me space to be truly curious and creative, and to bring what I learned from the supportive relationships between species into my relationships with other people. My current work as an information scientist always brings me back to observe and learn from those relationships in nature, especially in a world that is dramatically changing in so many ways."
Ashley has joined our team in 2023, and we are thrilled to have her taking the lead in building our library! Thanks for all that you do, Ashley!
"EwA has shown me that my passion for information science doesn’t have to keep me tethered to a computer screen. So many of the built systems and patterns we take for granted in society and the digital world mimic those in the natural world. For me, understanding how to build and maintain healthy communities and information ecosystems requires working to protect and restore those natural ecosystems that inspire me."
“Our forests are the home to biodiversity, and we need to protect that.“
“EwA has helped me put my talents and knowledge out into the world and I’ve met some great people along the way.“
About Kyle: Trees, controlling glossy buckthorn (and invasive flora) in the Middlesex Fells... ➔
Kyle has spent nearly ten years in the tree and landscape industry, and his extensive knowledge and passion for trees have been invaluable to the EwA team. Moving forward, Kyle is focusing on the invasive Buckthorn spread throughout the Fells. Despite its bird-attracting fruit, Buckthorn grows rapidly, regenerates easily, and aggressively overshadows our native forest species. Nevertheless, Kyle is determined to lead our mitigation efforts against this resilient invader for years to come. Thank you, Kyle, for your dedication to protecting the forest!
"The true passion for the environment that EwA has is what keeps me coming back to volunteer."–Kyle.
“Our biosphere is an incredible array of solutions to a mind-blowing set of problems. I’ll never stop being fascinated by it and would rather like it to stay as diverse as it is today!“
“Stewardship starts with connection and data. EwA helps us achieve both.“
Marcel likes to help well-intentioned organizations succeed at the things he loves. When Marcel discovered EwA through one of its Forest Exploration walks and saw how data-oriented EwA is, he immediately wanted to know if we could use his data and engineering skills. Indeed we could and we are!
Marcel joined EwA's participatory science team in late 2021 and has helped at so many levels already from improving the EwA field vernal pool app, to deciphering the application platforms and tools out there, and coming up with new ideas and potential projects for monitoring biodiversity!
Marcel is currently leading the EwA arthropod-plant interaction cross-platforms project – an exciting EwA initiative that besides collecting critical EBVs (essential biodiversity variables) also exposes us to a plethora of new tech problems to solve. With Marcel on board, we know we'll succeed!
☞ Thomas Eid | Environmental advocate & Naturalist EwA organization advisor & field leader (United States)
“EwA activities that I enjoy the most are developing a better understanding of the biodiversity in our local recreation areas and collaborating with like-minded people. The Earthwise Aware team, members, and their links with local and national groups provide an excellent way to share and learn from others.“
About Tom: Geology, forests, minimizing impact, and a love of the outdoors... ➔
Tom immediately joined the EwA team after attending a Biodiversity hike in early 2020. Tom now co-leads EwA hikes in the Fells that focus on geology and ecology.
His curiosity and enjoyment of the environment began at a young age. Growing up in Northern California, he marveled at the seacoast’s ragged shoreline, the redwood groves’ majestic growth, and the boundless peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Living in the Boston area, he now enjoys exploring New England's natural wonders.
His care for the environment began with scouting which instilled an ethic for respecting nature, minimizing impact, and non-disruptive observation. With his two favorite merit badges being Nature and Environmental Science, his enthusiasm continues through participating in local community science programs.
Tom earned a B.S. degree in experimental psychology at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, and an MBA from Boston University. He spent more than 30 years in the computer software industry, and now he advises municipalities and community groups on environmental programs and leading nature walks. In 2021, he published his first book: “53 With a Tree: Family-friendly Hikes in New Hampshire’s Town Forests.”
"Several people recommended that I check out EwA, and I am very glad that I did. Now I am able to rekindle my interest in exploring and appreciate nature at many levels. This includes finding pleasure and harmony in all kinds of wild things and studying the relationships between people and nature."
We are so appreciative of the support of EwA’s science collaborators who generously share their expertise from Matt Gage & Joe Martinez (US): Herpetology expertise + content (▹ articles) | Lawrence Millman (US): Mycology expertise + content (▹ EwA Field Guide to Common Fungi of the Boston Area – article ) | Walter Kittredge (US): Botany expertise + Fells’ natural community mapping | Laura Costello (US): content (▹ EwA Guide to the Plants of the Fells – articles) | Shilpa Sen (US): Wetland ecology expertise + content (▹ articles – EwA Wetlands Rules of Conduct – EwA Herp Rules of Conduct) | Amy Mertl & Teá Kesting-Handly (US): Entomology expertise | Agnese Mancini (UK): Marine ecology expertise (EwA Reef Rules of Conduct review) | Denise Spaan (Mexico): Biodiversity and ecology expertise (EwA Great Apes Rules of Conduct review).
Thanks to our EwA interns (present and past). We love to mentor and learn from our young environmental leaders: Jessica Yuan ( Fall 2023 / ▹ news digest ) | Madeline Logan ( Summer 2023 / ▹ news digest) | Ava Isarankura ( Summer 2023 / ▹ data snippets) | Meghan Cahill ( Spring 2023 / ▹ news digest ) | Kate Danziger ( Research Internship 2022-2023 / ▹ reports ) | Jakob Drozd ( 2021-2022 / ▹ Hab-frag project ) | Kayla Padegimas ( Spring 2022 / ▹ news digest ) | Yan Xiaochen ( Fall 2021 / ▹ news digest ) | Kate Danziger ( Summer 2021 / ▹ news digest ) | Olivia Bible ( Summer 2021 / ▹ news digest ) | Caitlin Ball( Spring 2021 / ▹ news digest )| Mina Burton( Summer 2020 / ▹ articles ) | Lucy Janovitz( Summer 2020 / ▹ articles )| Layza Espinal Maldonado( Spring 2020 ) | Stephanie Schofield( Spring 2020 / ▹ article ) | Jackson Schilling ( Summer 2019 ) | Sarah Haughney ( Summer 2019 / ▹ article ) | Charlotte Low ( Summer 2019 ) | Xaelel Allen-Caballero ( Spring 2019 / ▹ article ).
A special thanks to our growing community of dedicated participatory scientists in Massachusetts.
Biodiversity & Phenology:Kristian Demary | Linda Williams | Kate Danziger | Jennifer Clifford | Joe MacIndewar| Kathy McGlathery| Bill MacIndewar| Sarah Thompson | Kristian Demary | Esther Meirelles |Sara Gardner | Joanne Dermody |Lisa DiRocco| Yvonne Liu-Constant | Kathleen Shea | Mike McGlathery | Ashley McCoy | Daniel Onea| Heather Ballou| Kate Estrop| Christine Tuccelli | Martin Fraser |Joe Damore| Sonia Barrios| Daniel McKanan | June Mackenzie | Randie Brisson | Rachel Hertzberg | Laura Costello | Shilpa Sen
Habitat Degradation (Bio-Pollution & Fragmentation): Lisa DiRocco|Dan Bender |Jennifer Clifford | Thomas Dempsey | Joe MacIndewar|Ashley McCoy | Louisa Dixon | Diana Lomakin | Eileen Mullen | Syrah McGovern
Habitat & Ecological Community Documentation:Joe Macindewar| Matt Gage|Shilpa Sen | Walter Kittredge
Ecological Data Analysis & GIS: Marcel Gietzmann-Sanders (EwA Buggy app & data streaming PI) | Jakob Drodz (Fells Data GIS Help).
We are thankful for the content (including article contributions) and organization help from Natalia Carbullido (US): Fundraising | Carolina Pantano (Argentina): Content (▹ articles) | Samantha Sullivan (U.S.): Content (▹ articles) | Marie Therese Heggen (Norway): Content (▹ article) | Nathan Van Meter (US): Content (▹ articles) | Anne-Cécile Decoux (France): Content Advisor + Media | Meredith Heather (Content Review) | Joyce Ng (US): Media | Chanda Bahlo (US): Content Editor | Mercedes Delgado (US): Business Advisor | Kathryn Leach (US): Corporate Legal Advisor (EwA Bylaws) | Christiane Dupré (France): Content Advisor | Jon Hodge (US): Content Advisor | Claire Reichstein (Australia): Content | David Kulik (US): Media | Lacey Higgins (US): Media | Kristen Heard (US): Content | Lorraine Roberts (UK): Media.