home life and curate that for her employees as well .
According to the International Union of Conservation of Nature , studies have shown that when more women are involved in group decisions about land management , the group conserves more . Past studies have shown that countries with more women parliamentarians are more likely to ratify environmental treaties and set aside land for conservation . Caroline Taylor , Executive Director of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance , is a key resource for landowners , potential and current farmers in the Agricultural Reserve and a tremendous partner in education and advocacy for agriculture and the environment .
We first met in 2016 in a joint educational effort with the Poolesville High School Global Ecology Program . I was impressed with Caroline ’ s obvious passion for clean water and her dedication to sharing her knowledge with young people . She was inspired to work in public service by her father , the late George HR Taylor , who was instrumental in the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act ( OSHA ) and the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts . Caroline herself is highly respected within the environmental field but still struggles with the perception of being the “ Emotional Chicken Little ” when it comes to advocating for more sustainable , long-term environmental policy . She has had documents withheld from her and other women colleagues for fear that they would get to “ upset and emotional .” When I asked her how she deals , Caroline responded , “ By just putting our heads down , working hard , and relying on the facts and science of the particular issue .” Women often need to develop a tough exterior , and , she added that this causes “ a loss of some of the most beautiful aspects of femininity .”
Michelle Nelson has also felt that there are unique challenges women , especially women of color , face in the workplace . Michelle works as the Community Gardens Program Manager for Montgomery Parks . Montgomery Parks is part of the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission . Michelle says , “ Getting projects done is often a slow , arduous job . With women , we carry that additional emotional labor of wondering are these delays my fault , are they political , are they because of something I said , is it a bias of some kind ?” As a woman of color , it ’ s tiring always being the “ unicorn in the room .” I know I have felt this less than magical feeling , when I have been the only woman at the table as a female park ranger or in
Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts .
~ rachel carson
operational management meetings . You know there are always side conversations , locker room themed or not , that simply don ’ t include you . Or rather they are exclusive of you .
Despite these challenges , there are traits and skills that women bring to the table that are very helpful when working in a natural resources career . Caroline says , “ The reason why I am at all good at my job is because of a deep nurturing aspect which makes me care in spite of all the challenges . Someone else who may not have that maternal quality may more easily walk away .” Michelle says she actively tries to be proactive rather than reactive , “ thinking about a problem or project from all angles and all perspectives . Who have we heard from ? Who haven ’ t we heard from ?” Holly , too , recognizes strength in empathy as she works to build a relationships with her employees .
Strength also comes from women supporting and mentoring each other . Michelle recalls her grandmother and a favorite high school teacher as being a source of inspiration . My “ grandmother ’ s ever present tomatoes plants connected me to family , food , and nature . And Ms . Sondak , who taught environmental science , was like a modern-day Ms . Frizzle from the Magic School Bus . She embodied a love of science .”
I know my worst days at work are turned around as quickly as a leaf in the wind when I can support a new female colleague or speak to a group of students interested in working in natural resources . Through inspiring others , we energize ourselves and create more space for a future that hopefully is a bit more female .
Jennifer Scully is the Facility & Program Manager of Black Hill Visitor Center and Nature Programs in Boyds , MD . Previously , she was a Park Ranger with the Maryland Parks Service . Jennifer has her undergraduate degree from Frostburg State in Biological Illustration . She lives with her family on a small farm in Frederick County , where they raise Texas Longhorns and Flemish giant rabbits .
30 plenty I Spring sowing 2022