Hello CDRW community!
My name is High Garst (he/him), and I am so excited to be coming on as the new State Policy Advocate for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed! As a lover of the outdoors, I am thrilled to begin working together with you all to advocate for the watershed’s protection in an inclusive and proactive way.
I grew up Western North Carolina, where I was always very connected to the natural world and was so lucky to take advantage of all that our conserved land and water had to offer including fly-fishing, kayaking, and hiking. I attended Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, from which I received a BS in Environmental Studies with a policy concentration and a BA in Religious Studies.
During my time at Gettysburg, I had the opportunity to travel and study with my faculty advisor as we worked on his book outlining United States public land policy over the last decade. This work connected me with many committed land and water advocates, indigenous tribal leaders, and government officials, and it solidified my desire to become engaged in environmental advocacy and to remain connected to natural spaces as best I could.
After graduating, I was able to fulfill a life-long dream by thru-hiking the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail before moving to Harrisburg, PA!
I come to CDRW from the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus where I served as a member of the research and policy team. In this role, I focused on agriculture and natural resources policy, primarily working with legislators and staff on potential extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, a number of cost sharing programs to help farmers improve water quality on their land, and the response to Pennsylvania’s involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Outside of work, I greatly enjoy hiking, running, and fishing around my central Pennsylvania home, and I also love to cook, read, and discover new music!
As I begin this new role, I am excited to work alongside all of you to protect the Delaware River watershed, and to join you in passionate advocacy for the land, water, and communities in the basin. I look forward to connecting with you all soon!
-High
Email: high.garst@njaudubon.org