New AmeriCorps Service Member
Hello, Umpqua Watersheds community. My name is Jessica Saxton, and I am the new Environmental Education and Outreach Leader for Umpqua Watersheds via the United Communities AmeriCorps program.
I am dual enrolled at Umpqua Community College, where I will receive my Associate of Science, and Oregon State University, where I will receive my Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Fish and Wildlife. I have lived in Roseburg, Oregon my entire life and love the amazing community here. I attended Glide School District for most of my K-12 years but transferred to Roseburg High for my last two years of high school. I participated in 4-H, FFA, choir, and the National Honor Society. In my “free” time, I enjoy gardening, hiking, painting, swimming, volunteering, and spending time with my dogs. I am excited to begin making new connections and hearing great new perspectives. I have always loved the outdoors and believe the natural environment plays a vital role in sustaining us both mentally and physically. Plus, there are many incredible things to explore and learn in nature.
I have gotten to know several colleagues, all of whom have been marvelous, helpful, and welcoming. I produce the “Living Downstream” radio show and podcast for KQUA 99.7, and I look forward to interviewing great scientific and eco-friendly minds! Cindy Haws has been an incredible mentor and has inspired me to volunteer my time surveying wetlands and restoring them. It is vital to protect the environment and do our part to reduce any further damage and restore what can be saved. We have a responsibility to protect our planet and the species that live here. I have always been captivated by the beauty of the Umpqua River and I aspire to make the environment as healthy as possible through participation in community organizations, such as Umpqua Watersheds and Umpqua Natural Leadership Science Hub (UNLSH).
I am glad to be serving with Umpqua Watersheds, working alongside like-minded people and I hope that through our efforts, we can bring more people to engage with nature in a positive way.
