It is with great pride but also humility I get to say I was recognized by CNN! The CNN heroes program has been running 19 years and to be included in such a prestigious event was incredible.
There are so many people doing amazing things around the country and I don’t feel worthy of such recognition. I am just a kid picking up trash trying to leave our rivers better than I found it. It’s not glorious work. It’s not always fun. It can be cold, muddy, gross, and heavy in so many ways.
To have people see that work as heroic is kind of crazy to me but I’ll take it if it inspires one person to step up and protect something they love.
I grew up on this river. I’ve seen the wildlife that depends on it. I’ve paddled miles at sunset and seen eagles flying majestically along the banks. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen the bad parts. I’ve seen owls, and turtles wrapped in fishing line.
All I did was say “someone should fix this” then realized I am somebody! It’s up to each and every one of us to make a difference and together we can!
The Conservation Kid 