Brian in Santa Cruz Island with a Blue-footed Boobie Statue
The renewed vision document for the National Wildlife Refuge System ends with an important call for action question for conservation leaders of the 21st century: Which challenges will you accept, and which future will you make? As a recent college graduate inherently primed with existential angst, few answers to such philosophical inquiries are more important.
Despite the inevitable uncertainties that result from entering “the real world,” I know unequivocally that I love the environment and wildlife, and care deeply about understanding the processes that govern their ecological interactions. As my excitement for attending the Vision Conference grows, I find myself reflecting on how these passions emerged.
A pivotal experience that shaped my passion for environmental sustainability and conservation took place in the Galápagos Islands. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity in which I followed in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, the great naturalist. As I swam with sea lions and hammerhead sharks, marveled at blue-footed boobies, and took photos of marine iguanas, my intellectual passion for conserving the environment became married with a visceral one. It was the first experience in which I was truly immersed in nature and it profoundly impacted my respect and appreciation for our planet’s ecosystems.
This summer, I am delighted to be interning at the National Wildlife Refuge Association as part of the Jeannette K Watson Fellowship because I believe that The Refuge System provides a unique opportunity for students to feel connected with nature in way that transcends the classroom. Though we may at times feel uncertain about how best to deal with environmental pressures such as climate change, population growth, habitat fragmentation, and pollution, we can draw inspiration from the collaborative efforts that led to the exciting new vision for the Refuge System. Together, we can secure a more sustainable planet and ensure that countless more generations enjoy America’s great wildlife.
Brian Kateman, Policy Intern, National Wildlife Refuge Association
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Mission: To efficiently achieve voluntary habitat restoration on private lands, through financial and technical assistance, for the benefit of federal trust species.
