Hello CDRW community!
My name is Allison Harten (she/her/hers), and I have joined the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed as the newest Digital Communications Intern! I am so thrilled to begin this opportunity and connect with all of you!
Growing up in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, I spent most of my life in the lower Delaware River Watershed. However, with frequent visits to the Delaware River Water Gap, the importance and wide-reaching impacts of the Delaware River was impressed upon me early on.
While other kids packed their bags for summer camp, my family loaded the RV to go camping. Throughout the many summers, I watched my familiar places change and evolve; changes in flooding events, invasive species, and recreation created and closed access to spaces and changed the way I enjoyed nature each summer. This interaction between people, the environment, and social spheres is what inspired me to pursue a career in the environmental field.
I began my career at the University of Delaware where I majored in environmental studies and minored in public policy. I moved around within my major exploring different pathways, such as law and economics, and eventually found a passion for policy communication and community outreach. In my exploration of fields, I was a research assistant for the University of Delaware’s Center for Experimental and Applied Economics and served as a Delaware River Watershed Fellow at the DuPont Environmental Education Center through the Alliance for Watershed Education. In these positions, I focused on peoples’ interaction, perception, and history with their local environment and barriers that currently and historical prevent equity and inclusion in environmental work.
After graduating in May 2022, I worked with Delaware Nature Society as the Education and Engagement Assistant at Coverdale Farm Preserve. I engaged visitors of all ages on the farm and planned and led weekend programs. Through this opportunity, I connected people to the environment and their food, and educated people on topics such as sustainable and regenerative agricultural techniques.
I thoroughly enjoyed helping community members and visitors foster a love and appreciation for the environment, but I am excited to move into a more policy and media communications role here at CDRW. I look forward to working and learning from all of you to create a healthy and inclusive Delaware River Watershed!