Earthsaver of the Month
In 1989, Heidi Untener boarded a plane to Montana to begin an internship with SCA. Now, 26 years later, she is reconnecting with SCA through service events and bringing out her two young sons to join the next generation of conservation leaders.
Why do you serve the planet?
I serve the planet because I care about the world in which I live, appreciate the beauty in all its great and small things, and know that its resources are not unlimited and that however resilient nature is, it is also extremely fragile. Nature’s resources are not ours for the taking; we have a responsibility and obligation to be stewards of the earth for generations to come.
What is your favorite green space?
My favorite local green space is Central Park in Manhattan. On top of the huge amount of time we spend relaxing and recreating in the park, my kids and I bicycle through the park daily all year long commuting to and from school, and never tire of the park’s beauty – in every season it is simply spectacular.
How do you serve the planet outside of SCA?
Although I don’t have the freedom or flexibility to commit big chunks of time outside of my daily grind with my kids, I try to volunteer as a family with organizations I love, including Transportation Alternatives and of course SCA! I also model sustainable practices for my kids (like never buying disposable water bottles!) And I ride my bike EVERYWHERE.
Who inspires you to serve?
I have the great fortune of sharing these important life lessons with my two wonderful sons, both of whom passionately care about conservation and volunteerism. At age 7 and 11, my boys have already volunteered with SCA and also participated in independent projects cleaning up Riverside Park in Manhattan. I can’t wait until they are old enough to leap into the unknown and have a life-changing adventure with SCA.