The River Project

      It may be easier to get involved with conservation efforts than you may realize. There are many opportunities to interact with and help protect the environment in your own neighborhood. You just need to stick your neck out a little in order to find those opportunities.

      One of the ways in order to get involved in New York where I live is through The River Project. From the own words of their website, "The River Project is a marine science station founded in 1986 at Pier 26 in Tribeca, on the lower west side of Manhattan, New York City. The River Project works to protect and restore the ecosystem of the Hudson River estuary through scientific research, hands-on environmental education, and urban habitat improvement.
      The River Project's programs and interactive exhibits expand public understanding of the estuary and inspire people to appreciate the ecosystem they live in. An intimate view of what is at the waterfront and beneath the surface contributes to a sense of well-being for urban residents and to the perception of New York City as a viable place to live and work.
      The River Project's offices, laboratory and research facilities are currently located at Pier 40 in Hudson River Park."

      I think it would be fantastic to be a part of the River Project community through their Marine Biology Internship Program because I wish to pursue a career in wildlife conservation. As Nelson Mandela states in my favorite quote, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". It is impossible for people to preserve something they know nothing about, and so in order to inspire the public to preserve their environment, it is imperative that we do everything we can to educate people on the importance of our environment and the vibrant wildlife that lives amongst us. Researching wildlife is essential to gaining knowledge in order to educate others, and so it is important that we stay up to date with our local marine and land wildlife.
      Information regarding the River Project's Marine Biology Internship Program can be found here. A video taken by River Project members featuring the marine life on the bottom of the Hudson river can be found here.

      No matter where you live, I'm sure there are plenty of centers like NYC's River Project. Whether you volunteer at a zoo or aquarium, are a counselor for an outdoor camp, or properly dispose of litter whenever you find some on the street, there are endless ways to help the world in which we live every day. The first step is to desire to find such opportunities, and then to pounce once they arise.