Hello everyone! My name is Sawyer Watson and I’m thrilled to be serving as an Science Communication AmeriCorps Volunteer here at Wild Roots Nature Center!

As a Rockford native, I have been heavily involved in the community since I was a kid. I graduated from Jefferson High School in the science pathway and I have carried on in that same path throughout my life and careers. I have had unique experiences with my jobs throughout the years and you may recognize me from some of them! My first being at Williams Tree Farm as a farm hand. After that, I moved on to become a Lifeguard and Swim Team Coach at the Rock River YMCA. I later moved onto work at the Discovery Center Museum and Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens which I'm still at today.

All these different places gave me a lot of insight and experience with many different walks of life whether that was with people, animals, or plants! I'm incredibly grateful for all my endeavors allowing me to have such experiences, and I hope to gain even more here serving with AmeriCorps. With all my different experiences, I’m so happy I get to share my passions of wildlife conservation, sustainability, and connecting people to nature. I chose to serve with AmeriCorps at Wild Roots because I’m able to connect with some amazing people, support my community, and aid the land we call home.

When I’m not serving with AmeriCorps or working at my other jobs, I love reading, painting, watching movies, and visiting museums (I love a good dinosaur talk any day!) I also love caring for all my animals and finding creatures along hiking trails.

I can’t wait to find out what's gonna happen in the future!