An Open Letter to Aspiring Ecologists, Conservationists, and Naturalists

To everyone striving to make a difference in ecology, conservation, and natural sciences,

I know the journey isn’t always easy. Choosing to walk a path dedicated to understanding, protecting, and advocating for the natural world takes courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the bigger picture. As you work in wildlife, forestry, or fire ecology, or any field within natural sciences, you’ll be challenged not only by the elements and the ever-complex issues of our world but also by the sheer dedication it takes to stay connected to your mission.

Let me share a few thoughts to carry with you on this journey.

First, recognize that you’re not just working in nature but with it. You are a guardian and a bridge, a unique voice equipped to interpret nature’s language and advocate for its needs to a world that too often forgets to listen. Every day, approach your work with humility and curiosity. The more you explore, the more you’ll realize the vastness and complexity of what you’re protecting. Every tree, every animal, every patch of soil is part of a tapestry where even the smallest threads play vital roles. Your job is to uncover these connections and let the land guide you without disturbing its balance.

Understand, too, that ecology is as much about people as it is about wildlife. To protect what you love, you’ll need to inspire others to care, too. Conservation is a movement fueled by shared passion. Tell stories that connect people to the land and its creatures; let others feel the beauty, urgency, and significance of what you do. Advocate not just with data but with heart. Every encounter is a chance to build understanding, and sometimes it’s a story that moves people to action far more than statistics ever could.

When the path feels hard—and it will—remember you’re part of something much bigger. You’re joining a legacy built by generations of ecologists, conservationists, and stewards who have devoted themselves to protecting and restoring wild spaces. The challenges you face, the hours you spend in the field, the projects you fight for, are all part of a continuous journey that reaches beyond any one individual or moment. Your work is laying a foundation for future generations to experience and protect the world’s beauty.

So, when the work feels slow or the impact hard to measure, keep going. Nature needs your voice, your passion, and your resilience. You’re here because something within you is called to protect the incredible diversity of life. Trust that instinct and know that every small effort is a vital part of the whole.

Go out there. Let the forest, the wetlands, the prairies, wherever you work, shape you as you work to shape them. Keep that fire burning inside you, and others will feel it, too.

In solidarity and respect,
Katrina Koning