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!

▸ Jennifer's EwA Biodiversity Observations | Anecdata Records | ✉

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.

▸ Kathy's EwA Biodiversity Records | Anecdata Records | Testimonial | ✉

We met Joe at the 2018 City Nature Challenge event we hosted at the Middlesex Fells Reservation, and it was clear from the start that we had found a true nature friend—someone who discovers, shares, and learns from nature at every opportunity.

Curious and humble, Joe marvels at the beauty of the natural world and generously shares his knowledge of local flora and fauna. He enjoys wildlife camera trapping, a passion he began to inspire his daughter’s love for the outdoors. Over the years, he has gained valuable insights into animal habits, contributing records to a mammal tracking survey that documented species never before seen in that area.

Joe’s keen eye is an invaluable asset during our biodiversity events. Since the inception of EwA’s Fells projects, part of our citizen science program, he has rarely missed an opportunity to join our data collection expeditions. We were thrilled to welcome him as a formal EwA participatory scientist and are equally excited to have Joe serve as a director of the board as of October 2024!

▸ Joe's EwA Director Role | Biodiversity Observations | ✉

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

▸ Sara's EwA Biodiversity Observations | Anecdata Records | ✉

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!

▸ Laura's EwA Biodiversity Records

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!

▸ Mike's EwA Articles | Weekly Highlights | Wild Facts | Biodiversity Obervations | ✉

"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 and quickly became dedicated to the Bellevue Pond site, where she now serves as the site leader. The success of various projects would not be possible without her commitment. As a natural communicator, Linda effectively represents EwA at outreach events and helps tailor our messaging.

As of October 2024, we are thrilled to have Linda as our board vice president. It’s a pleasure to have her as part of the EwA family, and we look forward to working together for many years to democratize ecology participatory science while supporting the urban wild spaces that we love and explore together!

▸ Linda's EwA Vice-President Role | Anecdata Records | Email

We are so lucky to have Bill as one of our board directors as of October 2024. 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, enthusiastic presence on our team. Wandering in the Fells, where we run many of EwA's participatory science projects, and enjoying the moment (and the work) has become our specialty and pleasure. We often spend hours together, losing track of time as 3-4 hours fly by!

An outdoor enthusiast, Bill has spent much time exploring and learning about nature with his brother Joe. He 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. After 30 years as a Science teacher at Parker Middle School in Reading, Massachusetts, he continues to love working with young people and watching them learn and grow.

▸ Bill's EwA Director Role | Biodiversity Records | ✉

We are thrilled to have Yvonne as one of our board directors as of October 2024. Yvonne teaches early childhood education at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, and is the founder and leader of Math Play, a community of educators focused on making math more playful.

"When I signed up for EwA's participatory science program, I expected to enhance my knowledge of local flora and fauna, benefiting my work as a STEM teacher educator. The joy of making new friends and the healing energy of weekly visits to the woods turned out to be my saving grace during the pandemic. Nature is truly good for the soul."

Yvonne joined the Fells team in August 2020, starting with the arthropod survey before discovering her passion for the phenology survey team. Since then, she has diligently documented seasonal changes in the fauna and flora around Long Pond. We're lucky to have such a dedicated observer on board!

▸ Yvonne's EwA Director Role | Biodiversity Records | Anecdata Records | ✉

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.

▸ Kahtleen's EwA Biodiversity Observations | Anecdata Records | ✉

"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 ashley.tenn@earthwiseaware.orgjoined 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."

▸ Ashley's EwA Library Contributions | EwA Lib News | Email

"We are rapidly losing biodiversity; therefore, tracking biodiversity over time and space is important."–Kristian

Kristian's love of nature began at an early age, leading her to earn a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution from Tufts University, where she studied firefly courtship behavior. Her post-doctoral research focused on honeybee behavior and the fungal infection Nosema spp. at the Best Bees Company. Kristian also teaches Environmental Science at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

At EwA, Kristian is actively involved at the Somerville Community Growing Center, focusing on entomology surveys. Since joining EwA's Buggy project in May 2023, she quickly mastered the Buggy app and has become our top observer. We also greatly appreciate her review and editing work, support for our interns, and contributions to developing valuable ecological knowledge.

We are thrilled to have Kristian as a director of the board as of October 2024! Thank you, Kristian, for all that you do for EwA!

▸ Kristian's EwA Director Role | Biodiversity Observations | Anecdata Records | ✉

Currently an undergraduate student aspiring to earn a degree in environmental science or ecology, she grew up in a suburb outside of Chicago. The Midwest, with its flat, inland landscape, lacked the mountains and oceans she longed to explore. Yet, amidst the urban sprawl, she found solace in the pockets of nature—local preserves, the shores of Lake Michigan—always seeking adventure wherever it could be found.

From childhood, she imagined herself trekking through rainforests or discovering creatures beneath the ocean’s surface. This curiosity, paired with an increasing awareness of humanity’s impact on the planet, planted a seed within her—a sense of urgency and responsibility. Initially, she believed her path lay in music school, aspiring to become a full-time musician. But something never felt quite right.

"There should be no separation between the natural world and human civilization. Humanity is a part of nature and our planet is a part of us. In other words, to deny the environment is to deny ourselves. "–Melodie

That persistent calling eventually led her to shift course, embracing environmental science and ecology instead. It was this same passion that brought her to EwA. With the EwA community, she looks forward to deepening her connection to the Fells, learning from its inhabitants and ecosystems, and growing alongside those who share her commitment to conservation.

"We are in the right place at the right time. With the Fells struggling as an ecosystem, we are here to step in and do our work to prove why this special place deserves all of our attention and care."–Melodie

▸ Melodie's EwA Anecdata Observations

Amanda Mackie joined EwA in the winter of 2025 after completing EwA’s Introduction to Biodiversity Monitoring in the summer of 2024. With a keen interest in phenology, biodiversity, mycology, and habitat documentation, Amanda brings a strong scientific foundation and a deep sense of purpose to her work in the field.

Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from UCLA, where she served as president of the Environmental Student Network. Her commitment to ecosystem restoration and conservation led her to MIT, where she recently earned a research-based master’s in Environmental Biology. There, she explored the complex relationships between plants and soil microbes, focusing on how root-associated bacteria enhance nutrient uptake.

Amanda believes that environmental degradation is one of the most pressing issues facing our world today. She is driven by the conviction that all living beings have intrinsic worth and that humans must act as responsible stewards of the planet. Her goal is to connect academic research with real-world conservation efforts, advancing ecological resilience through hands-on engagement.

Drawn to EwA’s inclusive, science-based approach to community engagement, Amanda values the organization’s commitment to tracking biodiversity change and fostering ecological awareness. Through her 2025 summer internship at EwA, Amanda deepened her ties with both the local community and the ecosystems she studies, turning knowledge into action in service of a more sustainable future. Amanda continues to be part of EwA's path. We look forward to many years together!

▸ Amanda's EwA News digests, Anecdata Records, and iNaturalist Observations | Testimonial | Email

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

▸ Kate's EwA Biodiversity Observations | Anecdata Records | ✉

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.

▸ Kate's EwA's Research Reports | News Digest | Biodiversity Records | Testimonial | ✉

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."

▸ Xiaochen's EwA Biodiversity Observations | News Digest

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!

▸ Joanne's EwA Biodiversity Observations | Anecdata Records

Sophie Pinstein joined EwA in June 2025 after her advisor at Simmons University recommended it as a place to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful science. She quickly became involved in phenology, biodiversity, entomology, Fells usage monitoring, and data science.

A lifelong fascination with insects led Sophie to study Environmental Science. At EwA she has reconnected with this passion by documenting and observing species in the Middlesex Fells, a forest she first explored as a child. For her, the Fells now reveal intricate worlds of bees, flowers, and insect communities that reflect the “stunning complexity of the ecosystems that surround us.”

Sophie values EwA’s ethical approach to citizen science, which emphasizes careful data collection and respect for the environment. Her internship goals include mastering ecological field methods and deepening her understanding of native species and research protocols.

EwA Biodiversity and Field Records
Within a few months, Sophie has contributed to datasets on insect activity and plant phenology, gaining hands-on experience in ecological monitoring and data science. She looks forward to continuing to expand her skills and share her passion for biodiversity.

▸ Sophie's EwA News digests, Anecdata Records, and iNaturalist Observations

Jim Joyce is a dedicated EwA volunteer and a lifelong nature enthusiast whose passion for the outdoors began with early experiences hiking, fishing, and observing wildlife. With a background as an engineer and data-driven problem solver, Jim brings a unique perspective to participatory science and environmental initiatives. His commitment to conservation has led him to serve on the Woburn Conservation Commission and co-found the Friends of Horn Pond, Inc., where he works to improve local habitats and community well-being.

For Jim, EwA is a vibrant community of naturalists and environmental advocates united by a shared vision for sustainability. He values EwA’s blend of people, science, and data, noting, “EwA brings together a community of people who share similar passions and goals for a better environment both now and in the future.”

Jim’s volunteer work spans a variety of EwA programs, including biodiversity and habitat documentation as well as invasive species management. His most significant contribution to date has been co-developing, with EwA, the EwA Rat Poison Brigade and protocol for tracking rodenticide use and its effects on wildlife. Through this initiative, Jim is not only raising awareness about the dangers of rat poisons but also empowering communities to take action for safer, healthier ecosystems.

Jim believes biodiversity is essential to healthy ecosystems and a sustainable planet. He enjoys collaborating with EwA and looks forward to continued success in advancing environmental stewardship across Greater Boston and beyond.

▸ James' EwA Anecdata Records

Dillan joined Earthwise Aware in November 2024 after moving to the Greater Boston area in 2023, bringing a Master’s in Urban Planning from Rutgers University, focused on sustainability and a passion for both local and global environmental action. Through his work at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and his volunteerism with EwA, he hopes to combine his GIS skills with a desire to deepen his knowledge of ecology and species identification.

Drawn by EwA's welcoming community and hands-on citizen science, Dillan says, “EwA combines an extremely dedicated leadership with the openness for almost anyone to join, contribute, and be connected to nature. Their citizen science approach knocks down the ivory tower by making data collection approachable and fun because you learn from experts who can teach you the story behind the data.”

For Dillan, protecting biodiversity is a responsibility shared by all: “Environmental protection is important for its own sake beyond any kind of human benefit… it is our collective responsibility to restore it.”

His experience with EwA has already connected him with a community of passionate naturalists and inspired his ongoing learning: “I’ve met some wonderful and extremely passionate people! I hope to continue learning (and more importantly, remembering!) more about certain species and of nature in general.”

▸ Dillan's EwA Anecdata Records

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.

▸ Esther EwA's Biodiversity Records | Invasive Pocket Guide | (Digital) Invasive Guide | ✉

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

▸ Larry's EwA's articles

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!

Jill joined EwA's Bellevue Pond phenology site in November 2023 and quickly became a dedicated regular, helping us gather valuable data on both phenology and Fells usage at this location. Her commitment to enhancing the Fells for its habitats and wildlife is truly valued.

Thank you, Jill, for your enthusiasm and contributions!

"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.

▸ Jill's EwA Anecdata Records | ✉

James joined EwA's phenology study team at Fresh Pond in May 2024. For over 25 years, he has actively participated in outdoor recreation, conservation, and education organizations, including The Native Plant Trust, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Mass Audubon, and Columbia University’s Center for the Environment & Conservation. His curiosity has led him to pursue adult education in botany, ecology, marine biology, and environmental economics, deepening his appreciation for the natural world and strengthening his advocacy for its preservation. EwA’s science-based, ethically grounded programs align well with James's values, offering him meaningful field experiences that further his ecological knowledge and commitment to conservation.

Recently, EwA welcomed James as its treasurer, and we look forward to benefiting from his sound financial expertise and thoughtful stewardship in the years to come.

▸ James' EwA Treasurer role | Anecdata records | Email

Sarah Thompson was introduced to Earthwise Aware through a friend at the Woburn Public Library, who encouraged her to attend a tree identification program. Since Fall 2022, she has been an enthusiastic field volunteer with a strong interest in natural history, phenology, and biodiversity.

Her love of the outdoors runs deep. Sarah is a lifelong nature enthusiast, experienced hiker, dedicated camper, avid traveler, former organic gardener, passionate reader, and lover of music and art. Volunteering with EwA is her way of contributing “a little bit for the world,” guided by her belief that the survival of our physical world depends on the preservation of biodiversity, where every effort counts.

Sarah values EwA for how its programs and people convey the message that “we and everything else are connected and every part of nature matters.” EwA has inspired her to explore the Fells weekly, where she finds joy in walking the same trails, checking in on familiar plants, and sharing discoveries with fellow conservationists. For Sarah, these experiences are both comforting and educational, offering fresh insights with every visit.

Her story reflects the impact of individual action and community-based participatory science in fostering deeper connections with local habitats and advocating for the importance of all living beings.

EwA Phenology Records
Sarah actively contributes to phenology surveys and biodiversity documentation at the Middlesex Fells Reservation, enriching the EwA dataset and inspiring others through her dedication. Her phenology records are part of the EwA dataset in the National Phenology Network repository | Explore the data ▸ here

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."

▸ Tom's EwA Biodiversity Records