Leaving a job after dedicating several years of your life to
an organization can be bittersweet. It's a time of reflection, gratitude, and excitement
for new opportunities. As I bid farewell to my role as the Stewardship and
Community Engagement Coordinator at Gorge Refuge Stewards after eight
fulfilling years, I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. This journey has
been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am grateful for the privilege of
working alongside amazing volunteers, refuge staff, and partners who share a
passion for wildlife, the preservation of our natural world, and connecting
people with nature.
During my time at the Gorge Refuges, we accomplished a wide
variety of projects that had a lasting positive effect on both the wildlife and
the visitors at the Refuges. Together, we worked tirelessly to protect and
enhance the delicate ecosystems, ensuring that they thrive for generations to
come. The dedication and hard work of the volunteers, staff, and partners have
left an indelible mark on the Refuges and the surrounding communities.
One aspect that made my tenure at Gorge Refuge Stewards
particularly rewarding was our commitment to growth and progress. We recognized
the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in our work
and undertook meaningful conversations and initiatives to foster a more
inclusive and welcoming environment. By diving into these conversations head-on,
we prepared ourselves to engage with new communities in fresh and innovative
ways, supporting their connection with the wonders of nature.
Working in the nonprofit sector has taught me many lessons
in management, collaboration, and strategic planning. I am immensely grateful
for the opportunities I had to develop and refine my skills in these areas. The
experience of working with the board managing a nonprofit organization, coupled
with the intricacies of public lands management, has provided me with a solid
foundation that I look forward to utilizing in my future work.
As I embark on a new chapter in Virginia, I carry with me
the memories, knowledge, and relationships I built during my time at Gorge
Refuge Stewards. The connections forged with volunteers, partners, and fellow
conservationists will forever hold a special place in my heart. Together, we
accomplished great things and made a positive impact on our natural world.
To the volunteers who tirelessly dedicated their time and
energy to support our mission, thank you. Your unwavering commitment and
passion for preserving our wildlife and habitats are the driving force behind
our successes. Without your hard work and dedication, none of this would have
been possible.
To the partners who collaborated with us, thank you. Your
shared vision, expertise, and resources allowed us to tackle ambitious projects
and achieve outcomes that exceeded our expectations. Your commitment to
conservation and community engagement is commendable.
To the staff and colleagues at the Ridgefield National
Wildlife Refuge Complex and the Board of the Gorge Refuge Stewards, thank you.
Your support, guidance, and camaraderie made each day at work a joy. The
memories we created together will be cherished forever.
To the members of the Gorge Refuge Stewards, thank you. The support of members enhances the
engagement opportunities at public events as well as supports larger projects
on the landscape at the Refuges. With
this change in structure of our organization without an employee, members have
an opportunity to step up into a more active role to support the mission of the
Gorge Refuge Stewards. This work is so
important that I encourage anyone reading this to consider contributing a little
bit of your time to supporting the Stewards in their fundraising, advocacy, and
community engagement goals.
As I reflect on my time at Gorge Refuge Stewards, I am
filled with gratitude for the incredible journey and the tremendous impact we
made together. Leaving this position is not an end but a new beginning—an
opportunity to take the knowledge, experience, and passion gained here to make
a difference in a different corner of the world.
Although I may be physically leaving the Gorge Refuge
Stewards, the memories, friendships, and the impact we created will forever
remain a part of who I am. I am excited to bring the lessons learned, the
skills honed, and the passion nurtured to my future endeavors in Virginia.
Thank you, Gorge Refuge Stewards, for an unforgettable eight
years. I will always carry the spirit of this organization with me as I
continue to work towards a brighter and more sustainable future for our planet.
Jared Strawderman
Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards
15 Sep 2024 by Jessica Peacock
15 Sep 2024 by Jessica Peacock
15 Sep 2024 by Jessica Peacock
15 Sep 2024 by Jessica Peacock
15 Sep 2024 by Jessica Peacock
15 Sep 2024 by Jessica Peacock
15 Sep 2024 by Jessica Peacock
15 Sep 2024 by Jessica Peacock
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