Category Archives: In Your Words

A young blonde girl with green rainboots and blue gloves. She is standing on a muddy trail.

In Your Words: Phoebe Klein-Taylor

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Kaylin D.

My journey with Mass Audubon has been powerful and inspiring. It began when I was in preschool at Drumlin Farm in 2011. Then I started camp, and most recently, I became a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) at the age of 14.

A teenage girl looking at the camera with long, blonde hair and wearing a denim jacket.
Phoebe Klein-Taylor

Being a nature preschooler gave me a different experience than most of the people I’ve met. Instead of sitting in a classroom all day, I was off exploring the great outdoors. Learning about the environment at a young age implanted its lessons in my brain. So many of the things I’ve done in the 10 years since I was in preschool have revolved around being in nature, and I give credit to Mass Audubon.

One of my favorite memories from preschool was when my class was in the forest learning about trees when a thunderstorm came. After we got indoors, we spent the rest of the day learning about all the benefits of rain. Once it was safe to go outside, we played in puddles until pickup time. This experience made me love storms and the natural world while it’s wet outside. To this day, whenever it is raining, I immediately think of that day and everything I learned.

Another one of my favorite memories from preschool was when we grew strawberries and made strawberry shortcakes. That day our families came in and we all ate our homemade treats together. Gardening is still one of my favorite activities in the spring and summer. I even have a strawberry plant that has been growing in my house for the past few years.

When I left preschool, I stayed involved with Mass Audubon not only because I loved it, but because it was where I felt the most at home. Every year I’ve gone to camp, there have been invested, fun, and kind CITs. Their involvement in the camp session made it even more of an incredible experience. I became a CIT because I love playing and teaching younger kids.

A young blonde girl with green rainboots and blue gloves. She is standing on a muddy trail.
Phoebe, age 4, on the Hayfield Loop at Drumlin Farm

As for the future, I plan on studying environmental sciences, more specifically, marine biology. At my school I am a part of the Climate Awareness Club. In this club we do community service and spread our knowledge of climate change. Being a nature preschooler made me the environmentalist I am today, and I could not be more grateful for the chance I was given.

Stephanie standing in a forest, smiling with a green shirt and blue Mass Audubon hat.

In Your Words: Stephanie Kane

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Kaylin D.

I was first introduced to Mass Audubon when I attended the Field Naturalist Certificate Program in 2021 at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln. Then, my connections strengthened through the yearlong Birding Certificate Program. With my growing knowledge about the natural world from these two programs, and countless others, my understanding, experience, and relationship with the environment deepened, along with my concern about climate change.

Stephanie with a blue Mass Audubon hat and gently holding a bird with her hands. Jon stands next to her with a hand underneath hers.
Stephanie Kane (left) with Jon Atwood (right) at the Birding Certificate Program © Lauren Ramos

As an individual, I had taken steps to reduce my own environmental impact. However, I wanted to do more, because we need to do more. I just didn’t know what to do or how to go about it. I sought out groups that make meaningful, impactful changes that are driven by science and nature-based approaches. I found that, and more, in Mass Audubon’s new Climate Champions program.

In the first month I joined, I learned about local and state programs, current legislative issues, and concrete opportunities I could participate in, at different levels of involvement. With the support and education of the Mass Audubon team, I participated in my first Lobby Day. This was more than I ever thought I could do. I was able to reflect on my experience with nature, why it matters to me, and how I could clearly communicate that to others. As part of the advocacy, I even led my group of constituents to advocate for key environmental and conservation funding with a state senator.

In hearing others’ experiences and reasons for advocating for nature, my understanding of nature’s role and impact across many facets of our lives expanded. Our personal stories represented a broad and diverse set of experiences with nature and its unique impacts on our lives.

Stephanie stands smiling in the forest with a green shirt and blue Mass Audubon hat.
Stephanie Kane

As a result of Climate Champions, I’ve continued to learn more about climate-related issues, complexities, and ways I can Influence and support impactful actions at a new level. I’ve shared what I’ve learned with others and used these skills to find new ways to advocate for the environment in my community and with my local legislators.

Overall, I am grateful for the Mass Audubon team and the Climate Champions community. In this community, each of us is heard, informed, and empowered. We’ve learned from each other’s unique perspective and supported each other as we work toward meaningful solutions. I am grateful for the opportunity to empower others to advocate for the issues that are meaningful to them. Overall, I am most grateful for the opportunity to do more and be a larger part of much needed climate solutions.

To learn more about Climate Champions and how you can become one, visit massaudubon.org/climatechampions.