By Adrianne Thackery

Watershed and Fisheries AmeriCorps - USDA Forest Service

Photos by Louanne Fatora, GRWA Coordinator

During my AmeriCorps service with the Monongahela National Forest, I have had the opportunity to work with various nonprofits and community groups. My favorite and most significant collaboration has been with the Greenbrier River Watershed Association.

The Greenbrier River Watershed Association (GRWA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the maintenance, preservation, and protection and restoration of the ecological integrity of the Greenbrier River and its watershed. They partner with like-minded groups to educate the public. They also depend on grants and public support to assist with water quality and watershed issues.

I had the opportunity to collaborate with GRWA in two ways. Firstly, I was able to assist with their water quality study on the Greenbrier River. This is a long term project that relies on volunteers, members, and partner organizations. Secondly, I contributed to GRWA’s 2025 outreach events. This past spring and summer, I led three guided nature walks with them. These walks highlighted different wildlife and environmental topics, connecting them to the Greenbrier River watershed. The nature walk topics included birds, pollinators, and river ecology.

I am thankful to have led these walks because they allowed me to discuss topics I love. More than that, I believe these types of gatherings have considerable value. I did not connect with many of the environmental topics I am passionate about today until I was in community with others that cared for them.

For example, my love for bird watching sparked when I made friends with birders. Getting outside and watching birds with them opened a world I had never considered. Group outings are not only a fun way to learn about local ecology, but they are important for promoting environmental stewardship in our communities.