Mollie Maseychik

My love for land and nature started in childhood. As long as I can remember, I have always been happiest outdoors. As a teenager, I was fortunate enough to have parents who took me on a cross country trip visiting national parks- it was mesmerizing. I was taught the importance of nature and land, and I am eternally grateful they shared this passion with me. My dad’s general rule was, “Leave the park better than you found it- If you see trash, pick it up & throw it out.” Visiting these lands and parks I learned to love all things outdoors and the importance of protecting them. I have always been fascinated in the beauty of the land, and the peace that it offers. Nature builds community bonds and our community needs to be more closely connected to the land to learn how to protect, preserve, and restore the environment. I feel as though we have a duty to protect our natural legacy- it is imperative to preserve our natural resources. I would like to see the scenic natural lands in our community conserved for future generations to enjoy. I believe we can all give back to nature through examining the ways we live and respecting outdoor spaces.