The Outdoor Leadership Corps program allows Missouri Botanical Garden staff to shape young adults into experienced and world-changing environmentalists. There is a wonderful group onboard this season, and we want to share more about them!
You can learn more about the Outdoor Leadership Corps program here!
*image to the left - OLC crew with leader Olivia Dove at their first site, Meramec Greenway
Pam Taylor
Why did you choose to be a part of the Outdoor Leadership Corps?
When I graduated from college, I was looking for something that was close to home. I wanted to take part in conservation but wasn’t in the position to travel far from home. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to do just that while also working with two great organizations.
What has been your favorite part of this season so far?
I love being able to be outside every day. I really like to see how an area can be transformed.
What are you most looking forward to during this season?
I’m looking forward to seeing the sites after a completed season of work. I’m also looking forward to what I will learn in such a hands-on position as this.
What led you to your current career path?
When I entered college, I didn’t have an idea of what to study. I looked at the things I liked to do and went from there. The turning point for me was when I decided to take the leap and do what I had once thought would be too hard. I’m still working on challenging myself to see how much more I can accomplish.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love being outside in and out of work, I go hiking regularly, and I love to paint.
Amber Blackmon
Why did you choose to be a part of the Outdoor Leadership Corps?
I wanted more field experience and to learn more about the ins-and-outs of ecological restoration. OLC provides this as well as a great team to learn and grow from.
What has been your favorite part of this season so far?
I enjoyed removing bush honeysuckle and am looking forward to planting native plants. It is always fun to work with both aspects of restoration!
What led you to your current career path?
I was interested in both animals, plants, and invertebrates, so I looked into ecology. Since I was also interested in helping at-risk and endangered species, I decided to pursue ecological restoration, leading to my current jobs at a parks department and OLC.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Reading, researching, playing board games, gardening, and sharing what I have learned.
Julia Beckner
Why did you choose to be a part of the Outdoor Leadership Corps?
I chose to be part of OLC because I had just completed another restoration position and wanted to continue getting experience. I also liked the professional development aspect since sometimes it can be difficult to find a job after just graduating without a lot of previous experience.
What has been your favorite part of this season so far?
I have really enjoyed the other crew members. Everyone works well together and when we run into any challenges with work, no one feels uncomfortable sharing their concerns or their ideas. It’s a very fun and respectful work environment. I also really love working with volunteers. They bring great energy and it's amazing how much we can get done in just a morning.
What led you to your current career path?
I have always loved animals, but over time gained a bigger appreciation for all wildlife. I chose this path because I love working outdoors and enjoy being hands on with environmental issues.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love cooking/baking, painting, and just trying new things. Anything creative or that allows me to make things is especially fun to try.
Allen Jasowicz
Why did you choose to be a part of the Outdoor Leadership Corps?
I just moved to St. Louis, so this job is a good way to familiarize myself with the area and scout out potential career paths.
What has been your favorite part of this season so far?
We’ve been running into all sorts of interesting plants out in the field! I’m excited for trash cleanup days.
What led you to your current career path?
Rebuilding a connection with my environment is pretty central to both my free time and career interests. I graduated not too long before the pandemic started and have mostly been working seasonal positions in forestry and horticulture, everywhere from California to Oklahoma to Vermont.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like gardening and foraging, biking, fixing up old clothes, and getting quality rest time.