Tina Walsh, SCA AmeriCorps 2012
Environmental Educator, Hudson River Park Trust
SCA 2012: Environmental Education Assistant, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York City (SCA Hudson Valley Corps)
Tina is pictured above, front row third from left, on a field trip with SCA AmeriCorps members. (New York City skyline in background.)
Hometown: Queens, NY
College: St. John’s University
Current Occupation: Environmental Educator, Hudson River Park Trust
Tina Walsh served as an AmeriCorps member with SCA’s Hudson Valley Corps in 2012. Since then, she has stayed involved in environmental education in New York City, and has continued to support SCA as a ConSERVE NYC volunteer leader and an active alumna. Tina is now a full-time environmental educator at the Hudson River Park Trust, where she helps to supervise SCA’s team of eight summer AmeriCorps members and two year-round Hudson Valley AmeriCorps members at the park.
What led you down the path to conservation?
Environmental education and conservation are both vital pieces to our changing urban landscape in New York City. It is with this mindset that I’ve worked to achieve a meaningful path. Growing up on Long Island, I always had a strong connection to the coastal environment. I first merged this passion with conservation when leading educational programs about horseshoe crabs for local elementary school students. At the time I didn’t realize that it was my first adventure in environmental education!
How has SCA impacted your life and career?
SCA was truly what got me started in the environmental field. I was drawn to the Hudson Valley AmeriCorps Program because it was an exciting challenge. Through my internship at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in New York City, I was able to learn new teaching strategies and experience trailwork and stewardship. For me it was such a huge growing experience, and I’m lucky to have had such an amazing supervisor at NYSDEC to learn from.
How have you stayed involved with SCA?
Since completing my term, I have stayed in touch with SCA in as many ways as possible. Most recently I collaborated with SCA on two ConSERVE NYC service events, including Earth Day at Hudson River Park in April. Whenever possible, I also love participating in local volunteer events and connecting with other alumni and current members. New York City has a rich network of dedicated past and present SCA members and I’m always excited to share experiences!
What’s the coolest part of your current job with the Hudson River Park Trust?
It’s so amazing working on the Hudson EVERY DAY! I love that my job centers on both education and stewardship of the Hudson River Estuary, a beautiful and rich ecosystem. Working outside on the water always makes me happy.
What’s it like to supervise your own SCA AmeriCorps members?
It’s awesome! I love sharing my SCA experiences and encouraging the new members to pursue further opportunities in the environmental field. It’s such a treat to work so closely with the next generation of conservationists. SCA is an empowering organization, and I’m very proud to continue working closely with the passionate interns in our programs.
Read more about the partnership events Tina has helped to organize with SCA:
Recognizing SCA AmeriCorps Members at Hudson River Park (August 2014)
Hudson River Park Hosts SCA Crews for Environmental Education Day (July 2014)
Earth Day Service at Hudson River Park (ConSERVE NYC April 2014)
Trail Restoration at Van Cortlandt Park (ConSERVE NYC December 2013)