By Isabel Dawson, Policy Associate
In early August, community members gathered at our office in downtown Point Reyes Station to hear about the work our Legal & Policy and Coastal Advocate interns had been doing this summer.
Paige Herbert, Legal & Policy Intern, presented a deep dive into Marin Water’s Atmospheric River Capture project, which proposes constructing a thirteen-mile-long pipeline to connect the Russian River to the Nicasio Reservoir and store excess water during atmospheric river storms. She highlighted environmental concerns with the project, and more sustainable, non-precipitation-based alternatives.
“During my time at EAC I have been able to explore my love for biodiversity and water conservation. The work I have done has real meaning and real implications to keep a safer environment in Marin. I have loved being able to defend the wildlife and ensure meaningful protections in West Marin.”
Andrew Allanson, Coastal Advocate, shared his field experience with Marin Marine Protected Area Watch, a community science initiative that collects human use data to inform coastal management. Andrew created several short-form social media videos to highlight some of Marin’s amazing marine protected areas, capturing footage of sweeping landscapes and endearing wildlife, while highlighting local protections. Social media has become an increasingly important communication method that can reach broad and diverse audiences.
“I really enjoyed working with EAC this summer! It was an amazing opportunity to engage firsthand about our Marine Protected Areas, connect with local visitors through our intercept survey pilot project, and collaborate with our dedicated volunteers. Thank you to the entire team at EAC for such a great internship experience!”
Anna Bassias, Legal & Policy Intern, ended the evening with a discussion of Marin’s many sea level rise initiatives, educating attendees about Marin County’s Local Coastal Program, the public trust doctrine, and past and future efforts to combat this issue. With the upcoming “Super El Niño” and past tidal and storm surge flooding across the county, climate change and sea level rise are at front of many Marin residents' minds.
“My summer at EAC helped my understanding of policy work and the legislative process grow so much. I was able to hone a variety of skills through written and spoken testimony, direct lobbying efforts, legal and ecological research, and public-facing communication. The staff were a pleasure to work with and their passion for conservation was tangible. EAC’s membership is equally as passionate about their community and its unique natural resources. Thank you EAC for a wonderful summer!”
We’ve mentored over 60 interns, giving the next generation of environmental leaders hands-on experience to prepare them for a career in the environmental field. Through our paid internships, young people gain real-world job training in environmental policy, law, advocacy, community science, communications, events, and education—all while forwarding our mission.
While most summer internships have concluded, we welcome Sydney Sauré (Coastal Advocate) and Lauren Witt (Legal & Policy) as our interns this fall. Andrew stayed on a little bit longer, and next he’s excited to jump into a climate fellowship opportunity next month! Anna and Paige returned to law school.
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