Member Spotlight: Tucker Watson, Mobile Baykeeper AmeriCorps Program Member

Meet Tucker Watson, Program Coordinator, currently serving with the Mobile Baykeeper organization, in the Mobile Baykeeper AmeriCorps program.

1. What motivated you to join AmeriCorps? I was motivated to join AmeriCorps because I wanted to join a team of great individuals to intern with while being able to gain career experience in the natural resource conservation field. This is my first year serving and I love being able to communicate with the public and hear people’s experiences with Alabama’s natural beauties. AmeriCorps allows me to learn from the public about local issues and work towards addressing those issues in order to protect and restore Alabama’s natural resources.

2. What would you like to get out of this service opportunity? I hope to gain a better understanding of water quality analysis to promote public health and natural resource conservation in Alabama. I also hope to gain a better understanding of state environmental report analysis to better inform the public about industry and its effect on the public. Last, I hope to gain as much knowledge of local issues as possible and address these concerns.

3. What will your service focus on for the 2019-20 program year? During this program year, my service will focus on informing the public on where it is safe to swim based on our Swim Guide program with a focus on public health and water quality. This is in addition to analysis of recent environmental reports in order to inform the public about fish consumption advisories and local issues. And, finally, aiding in local stream health inspections.

4. What are your plans after AmeriCorps? I will complete my education in Biosystems (Ecological) Engineering with a minor in Soil Sciences at Auburn University. Upon completion, I plan to pursue a career in natural resource conservation with a focus on water resource management and soil morphology. I hope to make as much of a positive impact on environmental quality as possible by using my college and work experience as well as future professional knowledge.

Thank you for your service, Tucker!