Earthsaver of the Month
Annaleigh Baremore got her start with SCA serving on a summer crew to improve her local parks in Washington, DC. Now, after a summer working at Sumter National Forest in South Carolina, she’s back to DC, leading volunteers in the same parks where she served on her first crew.
Why do you serve the planet?
I serve the planet because I want to ensure that future generations will have the chance to derive the same joy from it that I have. Our environment shapes who we are, so it is important to make sure that future generations will have the opportunity to learn to live with their natural surroundings rather than attempting to overpower them.
What’s your favorite green space?
My favorite green spaces are the ones that exist in highly populated areas. These are some of the most important natural lands that exist today because they provide connections to nature for people who would not otherwise be able to experience it. Urban parks and farms are some of the most beautiful natural lands to me, because they create hope in neighborhoods that are mostly concrete.
Tell us about one of your favorite service experiences.
Leading a volunteer group for SCA’s MLK Day event in Anacostia Park was one of my favorite service experiences, because it was the first time I felt I was able to share what I had learned on my crew with others. It was heartening to see a group of people from such different backgrounds all coming together and sharing a common goal.
What’s your next earthsaving goal?
My goal is to continue working with SCA, possibly getting a summer internship during college. I want to continue to bring outdoor experiences to people who live in urban areas, helping people to understand the importance of protecting their surroundings.