Geologist and science communicator Becky Nesel was born and raised in the Hudson Valley, leaving only to attend SUNY Oswego for her degree. She uses that expertise to educate others about the geological treasures in the area, and WLC is thrilled she uses that expertise when she volunteers with us.

Becky is a big fan of Snake Rocks Preserve, having recently made an Instagram video extolling its unique features. “I think it’s so interesting how an abandoned quarry can be so full of biodiversity while also preserving its historical human past of bluestone quarrying in the area,” she said. “I think a lot of people don’t realize that abandoned places can be biodiversity hotspots, especially if they’re taken care of and preserved by wonderful organizations like WLC.”

Becky is particularly interested in geoconservation, the concept that explains how the bedrock in a given area sets up the conditions for the habitat above the soil. It’s an example of the interconnectedness of science and how observing those connections can help us think about conservation in a new light.

“A lot of us grew up learning subjects in school as silos separated from each other: biology, chemistry, earth science, physics,” Becky noted. “But, in reality, everything in nature is interconnected, with nothing existing on its own. Once you start to look for these connections, it becomes impossible not to see them everywhere you look.”

It’s impossible for us not to see how much we appreciate Becky’s perspectives, her love of the outdoors and her ability to share our work with a new audience through her exemplary educational videos. We’re pleased Becky Nesel is our Volunteer of the Month for January.