Welcoming new staffers at Conservation Northwest
Conservation Northwest / Jan 25, 2019 / Work Updates
We have two new staff members at Conservation Northwest, and we’re thrilled to introduce you to them. Welcome to the team, Matthew and Keiko!
New faces at Conservation Northwest
Matthew Coomer, Membership and Operations Associate
Where are you from and how long have you lived in the northwest?
I’m from a military family so we moved every couple years. The longest I’ve lived anywhere was my five years studying at the University of Montana in Missoula. If you count western Montana as part of the Northwest, then I’m at almost seven years living in the region.
I really enjoy the outdoorsy spirit of the Northwest and Seattle’s cloudy, cooler climate suits me well. The mountain and Puget Sound views from around this city still take my breath away.
Why conservation northwest? what about this organization appeals to you?
I love how so many of Conservation Northwest’s projects are approachable and tangible. Our wildlife crossing work is a perfect example: most people are aware that wildlife are being killed on our roadways and that it’s a problem for animals and drivers. I’ve been in the car when my family hit a deer on the highway and it was terrifying!
Conservation Northwest’s work on these crossings keeps wildlife and humans safe while increasing habitat connectivity. An article about our wildlife crossing work was reprinted in my dad’s Kentucky newspaper and he mailed it to me saying how much he appreciated the project. That meant a lot to me and furthered my excitement for being on this great team!
what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love exploring different parts of Seattle. My roommate and I try to bike to new areas and parks in the summer; the unique character of the neighborhoods here and the many preserved green spaces are lovely. Now that my boyfriend lives here, we’re excited to also explore the state and its natural wonders.
I enjoy going to the movies and trying local cideries as well. Washington’s cider culture is strong!
Who is your environmental hero?
I think that Sylvia Earle’s work on raising awareness of ocean issues and cultivating appreciation for marine life is just fantastic. She is adept at making the big blue portion of our planet more relatable for a general audience. I also helped her park her car once, which was slightly confusing for the both of us…
Keiko Betcher, Communications and Outreach Associate
Where are you from and how long have you lived in the northwest?
Like Matthew, I’m also from a military family, so I call several places home. I moved to Whidbey Island in 2008, so I’ve been in the Northwest for more than a decade!
Why conservation northwest? what about this organization appeals to you?
Throughout my environmental journalism experience during college, I kept running into Conservation Northwest as a source of expertise on stories related to wildlife and conservation—and after working here for a few months, it’s easy to see why. This organization makes effective decisions based on sound science and collaboration from important stakeholders. And in my personal environmental ethics, I believe working together and doing the best we can to understand what’s going on in the environment is the most effective way to solve the social and ecological issues we face today.
what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Too many things. I love exploring, whether it’s being squished between friends and snacks on a roadtrip, hiking absolutely anywhere, or trying foods that I’ve never heard of before. I also love playing music, reading, cooking with friends, and going to the beach. I’m still trying to figure out a way to squeeze them all into one weekend.
Who is your environmental hero?
It’s hard to choose one. I’m inspired by any writer who intertwines environmental science with literature—authors like Robin Wall Kimmerer, Barbara Kingsolver and Elizabeth Kolbert do it beautifully. But Rachel Carson’s work has probably had the biggest influence on my life. After reading Silent Spring for the first time, I immediately changed my major to environmental studies. My tattered and water-damaged copy of the book has traveled with me to several countries, and to this day, it remains to be one of my strongest inspirations for science, the environment and writing.