Member Bios

Hello to all, I am Melissa Whistleman, daughter of Margaret Stewart and sister of Jeremy Whistleman. I am currently studying Biochemistry at Radford University in Virginia. Ever since I can remember I have felt a strong connection to the outdoors; camping, hiking, planting, and just wandering through nature. I feel as though the mission of my life is to help; whether that is restoring a national park, repopulating the earth with vegetation, or by learning from and helping others with the daily issues that face us all. I believe that by joining the SCA I will be able to proceed further with helping, learning, and educating individuals as well as the world about conservation and the act of restoring the earth’s natural wonders through hard work and dedication.

My name is Tomoya Paul Lamberson. I was born and raised in Yorktown, Virginia and am currently a senior at the University of Mary Washington majoring in Sociology. I originally joined the SCA to further my experiences in different fields of work outdoors along with opening myself up to different career opportunities. After my experience last summer as a trail maintenance intern I knew I would continue my service with the SCA. This summer, as a native plant corps member I plan on expanding my knowledge on the local invasive and non-invasive plant species along with invasive removal techniques. Other than that I am positive I will have a great experience and form many new friendships.

As a child of the Earth, I feel a sense of belonging to the natural world. Everything that sustains all the diverse species is graciously given to us from the land beneath our feet. Knowing that I wanted nothing more than to be a steward to the Earth, I attend SUNY ESF (State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry), which exposed me to this altruistic organization known as the SCA. This summer, I hope to become immersed in the beauty of this sacred land, through working in the field and by learning from the different agencies involved. I consider myself to be lucky to be working in the wilderness that is Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Growing up in New York City allowed for a great but extremely refreshing contrast for me this season. My name is Jane Zhu and I hope to improve our world.

I have lived in a cabin or a tent for 83% of the last two years years of my life...not so bad. Most of my trail experience came from a 10 month internship with the SCA as a part of the New Hampshire Conservation Corps where I led crews in the beautiful White Mountain National Forest. Our crews built a rock staircase, a large turnpike, bog bridges and other structures to address drainage issues and erosion control. Prior to that I was a Trip Leader with Cheerio Adventures, leading students on adventure recreation trips including canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, caving, etc...in the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. I love working and living outside and being surrounded with people aiming to accomplish a common goal.
I participated in my first triathlon last summer and I'm already signed up for another this fall. Cycling and swimming are a favorite past time as I grew up on the shores of Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan.
With a bachelors degree in something totally different than outdoor recreation, I consider myself lucky to be a part of the SCA and count everyday I get to work and play outside as a blessing.

I am a nature/adventure lover who has moved around my entire life. Seriously, for not being an Army Brat I had lived in 4 states by the time I was seven. However, there is something about the Great Lakes that always seemed to call me back.
Working with my hands and helping to conserve our planet is a passion of mine, so this internship is right up my alley. I love working with wood and metal and have a couple of years of metal/wood working classes under my belt and can make some pretty cool stuff or just repair things. I also love to volunteer and help my community. From volunteering at the local theater to doing work for the National Relief Network I have picked up a love for helping others. I would have to say the most rewarding work I have done so far is the work I did for the National Relief Network in 2001. We went down to South carolina to help clean up after a flood had devastated the area. While out there, we helped tear down and rebuild a church as well as clean up debris. It was by far the most rewarding experience I've had so far.
I am crazy excited to get out to Oregon and start getting my hands dirty and making a difference.