For Wildlife Leadership Academy alum Nyomi L., outreach has taken many forms — from hiking snowy trails and volunteering in her college community to creating climate conversations through art, sustainability, and education.
An alum of the Ursids field school, Nyomi continued her outreach efforts throughout her first year at Allegheny College by embracing opportunities that connected environmental awareness, community engagement, and creativity.
Through the Bonner Scholar Program, Nyomi participated in service projects focused on supporting the Meadville community. She volunteered with organizations like HOPE Meadville, helping clean and restore homes in underserved neighborhoods, assisted with food security efforts through Second Harvest Food Bank, and participated in community tree plantings to help beautify local neighborhoods.
Nyomi also stayed deeply connected to environmental education. She attended presentations on wildlife conservation, firefly protection, and nature photography, explored career opportunities in conservation and sustainability, and even shadowed at Tamarack Wildlife Center to learn more about wildlife rehabilitation and environmental outreach work.
One of the most unique parts of Nyomi’s outreach record book was the way she blended environmental themes with creative arts. She participated in a “Trashion Show,” creating a cicada costume entirely from recycled materials, made native wildflower seed paper from old flyers, and attended sustainability workshops that used plants grown in the campus garden to create decorations, natural dyes, and skincare products.
Her outreach also extended into advocacy and conversation-building. Nyomi helped host a “Politics of Food” event that encouraged discussions about food insecurity, environmental justice, and local food systems. The event included educational pamphlets, volunteer resources, and interactive activities designed to help students think more critically about sustainability and community support systems.
Outside of organized events, Nyomi found meaningful outreach opportunities in everyday experiences,sharing nature with friends and family through garden tours, hikes, documentaries, museum visits, and outdoor adventures. Whether kayaking, backpacking in the Allegheny National Forest, or examining snowflakes under a microscope, she consistently found ways to inspire curiosity and connection.
In reflecting on her experiences, Nyomi noted that many of her most impactful moments came through the relationships she built and the communities she became part of. Through her work with programs like Creek Connections and the Andrew Goodman Foundation, she continues helping young students and college peers engage with environmental science, civic engagement, and community leadership.
Over the course of her outreach year, Nyomi completed more than 143 hours of outreach and service activities, demonstrating how leadership can grow through creativity, curiosity, and community involvement. We are excited to see where Nyomi’s passion for environmental education, service, and advocacy takes her next!
Outreach Highlight: Nyomi’s Curiosity in Action
Posted: May 30, 2026 by Katie Mace
For Wildlife Leadership Academy alum Nyomi L., outreach has taken many forms — from hiking snowy trails and volunteering in her college community to creating climate conversations through art, sustainability, and education.
An alum of the Ursids field school, Nyomi continued her outreach efforts throughout her first year at Allegheny College by embracing opportunities that connected environmental awareness, community engagement, and creativity.
Through the Bonner Scholar Program, Nyomi participated in service projects focused on supporting the Meadville community. She volunteered with organizations like HOPE Meadville, helping clean and restore homes in underserved neighborhoods, assisted with food security efforts through Second Harvest Food Bank, and participated in community tree plantings to help beautify local neighborhoods.
Nyomi also stayed deeply connected to environmental education. She attended presentations on wildlife conservation, firefly protection, and nature photography, explored career opportunities in conservation and sustainability, and even shadowed at Tamarack Wildlife Center to learn more about wildlife rehabilitation and environmental outreach work.
One of the most unique parts of Nyomi’s outreach record book was the way she blended environmental themes with creative arts. She participated in a “Trashion Show,” creating a cicada costume entirely from recycled materials, made native wildflower seed paper from old flyers, and attended sustainability workshops that used plants grown in the campus garden to create decorations, natural dyes, and skincare products.
Her outreach also extended into advocacy and conversation-building. Nyomi helped host a “Politics of Food” event that encouraged discussions about food insecurity, environmental justice, and local food systems. The event included educational pamphlets, volunteer resources, and interactive activities designed to help students think more critically about sustainability and community support systems.
Outside of organized events, Nyomi found meaningful outreach opportunities in everyday experiences,sharing nature with friends and family through garden tours, hikes, documentaries, museum visits, and outdoor adventures. Whether kayaking, backpacking in the Allegheny National Forest, or examining snowflakes under a microscope, she consistently found ways to inspire curiosity and connection.
In reflecting on her experiences, Nyomi noted that many of her most impactful moments came through the relationships she built and the communities she became part of. Through her work with programs like Creek Connections and the Andrew Goodman Foundation, she continues helping young students and college peers engage with environmental science, civic engagement, and community leadership.
Over the course of her outreach year, Nyomi completed more than 143 hours of outreach and service activities, demonstrating how leadership can grow through creativity, curiosity, and community involvement. We are excited to see where Nyomi’s passion for environmental education, service, and advocacy takes her next!
Category: Youth Blog