On 25 March 2021, as the world was struggling to find its footing after being pummeled by a worldwide pandemic, I grounded myself in the Bronx River Alliance. I had just come off a serious injury and now mobile, I wanted to find my roots in stewardship, community service, and the love for preservation and conservation of wildlife and natural resources. I signed up for a “litter pickup” at Starlight Park hosted by the Bronx River Alliance and the rest has been pure bliss!
After an amazing and satisfying experience (I found a snake my first day!), I wanted to be as involved as possible with the Bronx River Alliance. I was introduced to several programs: Christian Murphy (Ecology), Nathan Hunter (Foodway), and Elaine Feliciano (Conservation). Under the guidance of these amazing people, I found myself and rediscovered joy through collecting water samples from the Bronx River to be tested for Enterococcus bacteria, learning to identify invasive and native species, blockage removal of the river, and learning what trees to plant along the banks to assist in combatting soil erosion.
I ended up volunteering about four days at times because I simply could not get enough of the Bronx River Alliance! I was beyond flattered and humbled as a volunteer to spearhead a litter pickup on an occasion where staff was not available and we quite literally knocked it out of the park! The entire staff at the Bronx River Alliance has been so loving and welcoming and I have never felt in a place so belonging!
I was elated to become a part of the Conservation Crew in May,2022 where the access to knowledge has abundantly increased! The staff at the Alliance is full of knowledge and I am honored to be a daily student. I find myself identifying plants and trees as I walk about with a new light in my eyes as the world has truly turned greener!
I want to not only be an employee of the Bronx River Alliance, but and asset and an enhancement! I am ready, willing, and able to learn all there is to learn! After discovering the BxRA stewards eight miles of the 23-mile stretch of the Bronx River from the Kensico Dam to Soundview, I want to know how we can EXPAND to be stewards of the entire flow.
The Bronx River Alliance has brought me so much peace. Peace that can be found in taking a moment to pause and admire/appreciate the natural resources and wildlife right underneath our noses if we take a second to pay attention. Without nature we do not exist, and I intend to dedicate myself to the cause and hope by my actions to encourage others to do the same! Thank you sooooo very much Bronx River Alliance !
Ja’Juan Gibson
