An Interview with a Naturalist/A Career in Conservation
Photo form Pexels by Mark Neal.
Grace Farrell
Are you interested in the environment, love to educate those on your environmental passion, and want to spark connections with all generations? A naturalist does all of this. Read more about this if a career in natural resources interests you!
Recently I interviewed Jessica Fossell. Fossell was the naturalist at Pike Lake for three seasons and now holds the park ranger position at Pike Lake. Here are some of the questions I asked her:
What is a naturalist?
According to Jessica Fossell, “a naturalist acts like a translator to the public for a variety of topics: geology, history, ecology etc. and connects them in a way that promotes stewardship and further curiosity.” This can be in the form of educational programs pertaining to all ages. These programs can relate to wildlife, earth’s systems, and sustainability. Each and every one of these programs aims to connect the environment to the people visiting, so they can deepen their interest and amplify their passion for the environment.
How would you describe your experience working as a naturalist?
Fossell explains that working as a naturalist is “extremely fulfilling.” The people that attend the programs are present and eager to learn.
What does a naturalist do (task/daily routine)?
The daily routine for a naturalist involves morning chores, answering the public’s questions (mainly about trail recommendations, features of the area, and wildlife), checking in campers and visitors, answering emails, planning programs, and advocating with advertisements for said programs. To be a naturalist, you need to be okay with working weekends, working 40 hours a week, working alone, and being flexible with your day to day hours.
What would you say to someone who is interested in this career, what do they need to do to succeed?
If you are interested in this field, Fossell answers, “100% do it.” You have to want to learn a little bit about everything for this career. To start on this path, Fossell shares, “Experience a variety of positions in the career field as soon as possible.” During college take every class you can that relates to plants and animals. This will help you solidify answers for numerous nature questions asked by visitors. Work and intern in areas that are subject to your major. Also, take offers of advanced training and certificates; this will give you experience and strengthen your resume for future high profile jobs. Involve yourself and advocate for your future.
How to get involved:
Natural resources has such a wide array of topics that anyone can find something they are interested in. One way to get involved is on June 3rd and 4th, there is free admission to any park in Wisconsin. Fossell also mentions two other ways to get involved in Wisconsin’s DNR: Volunteer and participate in programs. Here are the two links that show the events listed at Pike Lake and volunteer opportunities for the DNR in general:
Volunteer with the Wisconsin State Park System
Fossell also volunteered her time at the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee. Her time at the Urban Ecology Center focused on community programs, environmental education, and land stewardship. Some activities Fossell was involved with include community programs such as volunteer groups for litter pickup, seed cleaning, and small service projects, environmental education like field trips, and land stewardship like invasive species removal.
If these organizations sound appealing to you, look for internship opportunities at the DNR or the Urban Ecology Center.
What would you say to women who are interested in this field?
Fossell explains, “You are just as capable.” It can be intimidating at first, but then Fossell counters that “there’s nothing more rewarding.” While natural resources is a field predominantly dominated with men, it doesn’t have to be. Fossell says, “You might be one of the few role models in the outdoor world that other women and girls see. Those connections alone make the job worthwhile.” If you’re a girl and you’re interested in natural resources, don’t let your gender get in the way of your dreams. You may face challenges with your coworkers and you may encounter visitors who don’t take you seriously, but that shouldn’t derail you from your dream.
What is the future like for Wisconsin’s Parks?
Funding is a huge issue for parks in Wisconsin. One way to donate money to a park is to do it through a friends group. The Wisconsin’s DNR describes a Friends Group as a “nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose members have an interest in Wisconsin’s natural resources and volunteer their time, services and support to enhance Wisconsin's state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.'' Friends groups “provide funding for things that are outside the normal day to day operations like park clean-ups, festivals/concerts, and hikes; with a heavy focus on enhancing the visitors' experience in the form of education centers, shelters, campsite renovation.” Another issue is admission fees. These fees are what funds our state parks and forests. Buying a day pass or annual sticker directly supports them. Fossell includes, “If you want to support the longevity of the State Parks, purchase an annual pass and visit as much and as many places as possible. It’s only $28 for access to all of the State Parks & Forests in WI!” As long as people are visiting parks and forests, “they are a testament that these green spaces are significant, worthy of preserving, and a worthwhile investment” Fossell remarks.
What do you think is the most important thing that people can do to help preserve our environment?
To help our environment, one should “explore as much as possible and attend events hosted by local parks.” This will add to your passion and you’ll meet people with similar interests. Little choices like using a reusable bag and planting native seeds, overall, make a big impact. Fossell includes, “Where there is community there is change.”
How you can be the best visitor:
You can be the best visitor by knowing the rules and being respectful. On the Wisconsin DNR’s website, there is always a list of rules presented for each park. Preparing ahead of time can save time and confusion. Fossell notes, “If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it here.” Another way to be the best visitor is to minimize your waste. Most parks don’t dispose of your waste for you, so you need to do it properly. One way to minimize your waste is to use reusable tupperware for food; this offers protection from weather, animals, and keeps your area cleaner. To be the best visitor, you should bring a friend and attend events and programs. Have them experience what you love about the outdoors. This increases foot traffic and capitalizes on the greatness each park has to offer. If everyone were to make an effort to get outside, more people would feel connected with nature and have an intrinsic need for conservation.
If you are interested in a career in natural resources, get involved with volunteering and participating in programs offered as soon as possible. Take advantage of the classes offered here at Hamilton such as Environmental Science and Earth & Space Science. Also, join the many clubs, like Club Action, advised by Ms. Wainio and Ms. Maxwell, and Science Club, advised by Ms. Wainio and Mr. Simays, that focus on conservation and offer a wide variety of science careers and topics.
