Preserving One of Humanity’s Most Critical Elements
Angelina Rodriguez ‘27 is never happier than when she is outside, hiking, running or biking. For Rodriguez, being in nature is a way for her to center herself and think through things that may be weighing on her mind. An environmental science systems major at Le Moyne, she spent the summer putting what she has learned in the classroom to work, and sharing her love of nature with others, as an intern at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park (WWPP).
Not far from Rodriguez’s home in Saratoga County, the WWPP’s mission is “to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological and natural settings.” The preserve is home to acres of woods, trails and fields, and a pond. The latter is where Rodriguez was most often assigned. She loved discovering more and more about the plants and animals that live near and around the pond, and sharing those discoveries with others, especially children. It reaffirmed her commitment to water quality and conservation. Rodriguez is among the 72 percent of Gen Zers whom a recent Gallup poll found “worry a great deal or some about water pollution,” and among the 66 percent “worry about the health of fish and oceans.”
I discovered so much at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve. I hope that I can use those lessons one day to make a positive impact on my community.”
This semester Rodriguez is continuing her study of water conservation as a student in Lewis McCaffrey’s Water Resources class. Every day she and her classmates learn about the impact humanity, pollution and changes in climate are having on this essential element as they conduct research around the area in locations such as Green Lakes State Park. Following her graduation from Le Moyne, Rodriguez hopes to continue to care for watersheds, perhaps as a researcher for the Department of Environmental Conservation or Environmental Protection Agency, or as an environmental conservation officer. She looks forward to carrying with her lessons she learned about communication, forging connections and public outreach at the WWPP.
“I hope that other Dolphins will take advantage of similar internship opportunities. You never know what you are capable of until you try.”
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Angelina is one of our Ignite Fellows. The Ignite Fellowship gives students the opportunity to engage in transformative, hands-on experiences, such as internships and research opportunities, without having to worry about the financial costs that sometimes come along with them. We're grateful to the generous alumni whose support makes the fellowship possible.
