✨ Colleen’s Testimonial


“They are doing the conservation work that matters – that changes lives – and that people should know more about – they are changing the course of how we understand open spaces and biodiversity in the greater Boston area.”

EwA is changing the model of how community-based conservation action works through a carefully designed and implemented program of public engagement in the urban places that we need to steward as we, as a community, face the climate crisis and continued loss of biodiversity. The programming, the partnerships, and the integrative and democratic approach to participatory research is a model for other organizations looking to put best practices into effect. The work by EwA provides opportunities for community members to bring their expertise to the work while helping others learn and embrace data and a data-based approach and the incorporation of data science is beyond comparison. EwA is a small, mighty, and growing team who are looking toward the future of how together we can all help solve the wicked problems that face us as a society. They are doing the conservation work that matters – that changes lives – and that people should know more about – they are changing the course of how we understand open spaces and biodiversity in the greater Boston area.

As a colleague at a local university – it is my privilege to collaborate with EwA and I am grateful for the support, mentorship, and inclusive approach they take when working with Brandeis students. The rewards for the students are immeasurable and the growth I see when they return to campus is inspiring. Their collaboration helps institutions of higher learning meet our goals of training the next generation of thoughtful scholars and engaged global citizens.

Colleen Hitchcock, Ph.D. | Dec 15th, 2022
Associate Professor & Chair, Environmental Studies Program
Biology Department – Brandeis University