Kat’s Story

Kat, former youth intern and current fellow at Dodge Nature Center

I worked in the Conservation program for about 7 years. Started when I was 14 as an intern, and worked with many great people along the way. I learned that outdoor classrooms were a thing, I learned that working in environmental jobs was possible, and I learned how to handle a brush saw. Other tools too of course.

I think one of the most valuable seeds that Urban Roots planted in me (there are many) is just that ability to believe in a dream. I have seen it happen countless times now, where if someone has a dream, people will come together to make it happen, some way, somehow. Will times get tough? Sure, it happens. We encounter thorns along the way, however there are also roses to cherish and buds to look forward to. 

– Kat Facklam, former intern and current fellow at the Dodge Nature Center

Kat (pictured center) and other conservation interns in the summer of 2018.