I was out on the banks of the Merced River last weekend, and it struck me how intertwined our lives are with these ecosystems. Each restoration project I work on underscores the importance of sustainability — not just for the environment but for our communities too. If we adopt a more ethical approach to managing our natural resources, we can truly heal both the land and ourselves — what initiatives are you seeing in your area that inspire you?
I totally get where you’re coming from. I spent a weekend cleaning up a local stream, and it was eye-opening how much trash was there — like, how can we expect our ecosystems to thrive? The process really tied into community engagement, showing people that restoration matters.
I remember helping with a river cleanup last summer, and the difference we made was huge! 
It’s so satisfying to see the water clear up. Have you noticed any changes in the Merced since your work began?
It’s amazing how interconnected everything is! After a similar project, I noticed how much the local wildlife thrived. Have you seen any improvements in the Merced’s biodiversity?