By Allie Wisniewski, American Forests

The summer before 4th grade, my sister and I sat down with my parents in our living room, anticipating an apparently important announcement. My mom explained that in just a few weeks, we’d be embarking on our biggest family adventure yet: traversing the country in an RV. At the time, I hardly understood what that could possibly entail, but I’d soon discover that the comforts of conventional, suburban stability were entirely overrated.

Braving the hottest months of the year, we began our tour in the American southwest and gradually made our way up to the Badlands of South Dakota, relishing in the expansive, humbling beauty of the Grand Canyon and exploring the Pueblo cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park along the way. It was the world’s greatest road trip — I’m still convinced — from the explosive geysers of Yellowstone to Utah’s iconic sandstone arches. I still dream of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, their snow-capped peaks stark white against the scarlet and lavender of every blooming wildflower. Even still, I remember the stubbornly throbbing pain in my index finger after my unbearable curiosity impelled me to touch a cactus in San Antonio. Hey, I was 9. It seemed like a great idea at the time.

Upon arriving home, I knew immediately that my transformation was irreversible. Though boasting barely 10 years of life, I was officially an adventurer — already I’d walked more miles through the wilderness than I could count on my fingers (and toes). The rest is history, really. My own immersive experiences in tandem with the direct influence of my nature-loving parents instilled in me a deep-seated respect for the environment that remains as pure and true as the Costa Rican hot springs we spent one spring evening wading through. I perceive no separation between what I call “me” and the natural world, and thus I feel compelled to protect and nourish it as I would myself or a loved one. I’ve entered a contract with Mother Nature, and I’m certainly not backing out now.

I’m here working for American Forests because I know that there is no way but the way of nature. My mission to restore global biodiversity and nurture forest ecosystems coupled with my passion for writing and the visual arts leaves me nothing but grateful for this opportunity to spread the increasingly urgent message of conservation and environmental mindfulness. To the trees that give us so much, it’s time to give back.