August Volunteer of the Month: Katie Figueroa
A big thank you to our August Volunteer of the Month, Katie Figueroa! She is a volunteer on our Boreal Toad Project and has joined us for multiple day surveys this year, documenting boreal toads and amphibian habitat.
Get to know Katie in our interview below.
Katie pauses with a toad before recording measurements as part of a boreal toad survey.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a sophomore at Columbia University studying Environmental Biology, with a concentration in environmental science.
What originally drew you to the Boreal Toad Project?
I was looking for some volunteer opportunities with the Hogle Zoo and stumbled across the Boreal Toad Project project on the website. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity since I plan to go into conservation. I’m a new volunteer, but I’ve loved the trips I’ve been on so far!
What do you love most about volunteering?
I love that I can contribute to something that matters. Not many people know that little actions like volunteering can go a long way, especially with amazing projects like this one!
What are your thoughts on conservation in the West?
Wildlife conservation is one of the most vital things we can do to help restore our planet earth. At the end of the day, a lot of these animals were here long before humans were, yet we are the cause of many environmental issues. Often times, we humans forget that we share the planet with many of these beautiful species, it’s only right that we help protect them.
Some toads receive a tiny tracking device.
Toads are carefully weighed.
A boreal toad, ready to be released!
What would you say to others thinking of volunteering?
DEFINITELY DO IT! Especially if you love being outdoors and going on hikes, this is the perfect way to contribute to conservation in the summer. It’s super easy, and the toads are SO cute!
All done being measured, this boreal toad is ready to go back to the wetland! Photos courtesy Katie Figueroa.
You can find Katie on Instagram at @kfigueroa801.
Learn more about this project and our other conservation projects on our project page, and don’t forget to donate to support more work like this in the future.