Name: Casie Jones
Alabama Sierra Group: West Alabama
What are your specific environmental interests?
As an educator, naturalist, recreationist, and health advocate, my environmental interests and passions are broad, but holistic. I understand that our health can be optimal only when we have access to the appropriate resources. In order to maintain those resources, we must have a sincere reverence for nature itself. To secure connection to the natural world, we must maintain opportunities to enjoy and experience nature. We can only understand sustainable environmental practices if we seek knowledge and action for ourselves and support the education of others. My specific environmental interest is to manage pathways to connect these aspects and provide opportunities for environmental education and engagement.
How are you helping Alabama explore, enjoy, and protect the environment?
Traditionally, as an educator, I have supported hands-on, exploratory learning in my classroom and in the field. I have taught general and advanced levels of Biology, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science to a diverse group of learners. Moving beyond the public school classroom, I have designed and directed an Outdoor Adventure Camp for children 8-12 for summer environmental experience. Furthermore, serving on the Sierra Club Alabama Executive Committee and, currently, as Chair has provided the opportunity for me to promote ideas through a pedagogy-based perspective. I believe that any movement we want to see in a population starts with education and engagement of our youth and our communities.
What is one of your favorite memories associated with the Sierra Club?
I reflect on the experience of a young naturalist with a pair of binoculars around her neck hiking in the Sipsey Swamp in Tuscaloosa, AL. At 10-or-so years old, she enjoyed spending Saturdays with her Grandparents in the outdoors. In those days, the local West Alabama Group of the Sierra Club often paired with the local Audubon Society for outings. There were plenty of stops along the way to watch for birds. Nearly two decades later, the (still young) naturalist enjoys a hike with Sierrans who get their exercise during the day hiking the sandy Pocosin soils of South Alabama. Afterwards, a crew of outdoor women relax with sips of red wine, chatting by the fire, and, finally, retire for the evening into their tents at Blue Springs State Park. There are so many trails to blaze and memories to be made in the outdoors!
What is one action you would like to see more of from the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter?
Having access to a healthy environment is not a privilege-it is a human right. I would like to see individuals and communities across the state engaging in social movement towards this concept. I think that Sierra Club Alabama Chapter plays an important role in providing opportunities, education, and momentum in social movement towards environmental sustainability and justice. Ideally, the natural resources and beauty of our state would be embraced, while policy and community decision-making would revolve around sustainable ecological and economical practices. The action of Sierra Club is to be a force in this movement.