Author: elizacava
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Renaming: Breaking Eggs to Make an Omelette
Presentation given at the 2023 Choose Clean Water Coalition Conference, Harrisburg, PA. Abstract: At the ripe old age of 125, the oldest independent environmental organization in the Washington, DC region changed its name. Transforming from the Audubon Naturalist Society to Nature Forward, we will discuss the nuts and bolts: gathering feedback (including the haters) and…
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Environmental Empowerment In Historically-Excluded Communities In The Washington, DC Region: Lessons Learned And Recommendations For Replication
Originally published on Nature Forward blog FEBRUARY 27, 2023 Nature Forward works to reach families in their communities—near where people live, work, and go to school—and connect them to nearby nature through engaging, hands-on activities and trainings. We work with community leaders, partner organizations, and of course, empowered community members. Since 2019, we have been…
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Sprawl is Bad for Forests and Streams
Originally published JANUARY 11, 2023 at https://natureforward.org/sprawl-is-bad-for-forests-and-streams/. Backyard trees are critical elements of wildlife habitat. They provide excellent stormwater management, shade streets and houses, and provide health benefits. It is important to protect as many backyard trees as possible while recognizing that individual trees are not as valuable from a natural perspective as intact forests…
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Sprawl Is Bad For The Climate
Originally published DECEMBER 20, 2022 at https://natureforward.org/sprawl-is-bad-for-the-climate/ Red areas on the map above show high carbon dioxide emissions associated with sprawl development in our region. Nature Forward supported Montgomery County’s new Thrive 2050 (while pressing for needed improvements) because of the regionwide benefits of fighting sprawl with development that keeps housing and business growth centered…
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It’s Time To Pass Thrive 2050 In Montgomery County
Originally published OCTOBER 4, 2022 at https://natureforward.org/its-time-to-pass-thrive-2050-in-montgomery-county/ UPDATE: THRIVE 2050 passed! On October 25th, the Montgomery County Council voted unanimously to approve Thrive Montgomery 2050 – the county’s new general master plan. Thank you for your collective advocacy to make this critical step happen! The Plan is the blueprint. Now the real work begins to create policies and…
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TAKE ACTION: Say NO To Wetlands And Stream Destruction For Highway Construction!
Originally published SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 at https://natureforward.org/take-action-say-no-to-wetlands-and-stream-destruction-for-highway-construction/ Keep Fighting Highway Expansion – Submit Comments on the MD “Op Lanes” Wetlands & Waterways Permit – Due Thurs., Sep. 29 Update 9/29/22: NOTE: The public comment period has been extended to October 28, 2022. Click here to read and download a copy of Stormwater Partners Network (SWPN), Maryland Advocates…
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The Story of Streams
In 2022, Nature Forward published The Story of Streams, a project I led and authored to tell the stories of the people, animals, and places that make up three small watersheds in the Washington, DC area. Throughout my time at Nature Forward (formerly Audubon Naturalist Society), I created and moderated a presentation series called “Conservation…
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Conservation Advocacy At ANS: “Dynamic, Changing As Conditions Change, Seeking Always To Become More Effective”
Originally published JUNE 1, 2020 at https://natureforward.org/conservation-advocacy-at-ans-dynamic-changing-as-conditions-change-seeking-always-to-become-more-effective/ This is the first in a series introducing ANS’ new Conservation Advocacy Priority Campaign Areas. As world renowned conservationist and ANS Board Member Rachel Carson wrote, “Like the resource it seeks to protect, wildlife conservation must be dynamic, changing as conditions change, seeking always to become more effective.”…
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Arresting Fear with Hope
A version of this essay was published in Sage Magazine on October 13, 2011 at https://sagemagazine.org/arresting-fear-with-hope-2/. My mother says I was never afraid of anything as a child. I would run laughing into huge waves on the beach and climb trees so tall it made my brother dizzy to try and follow. I am fortunate…
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The Arctic Irony
A version of this essay without photographs was published in SAGE Magazine in April 2011, and can be viewed as originally published here. It’s ten thirty at night, and in the bright light the wet caribou comes over the rise and rolls her eyes at me. Thirty more caribou does and calves follow, knee joints popping…
Eliza Cava 