Conservation Chat Series Brings a Youthful Energy to Washington Wild’s Work
Screenshot of Jaidacyn Madrigal Video
You never know where you are going to find inspiration. Jaidacyn Madrigal reached out to express her interest in Washington Wild. After a brief phone call, she left a lasting impression on WA Wild’s Executive Director Tom Uniack.
“Her youthful energy and enthusiasm was contagious,” said Uniack. “Once I saw her videos on her EcoGirl YouTube channel, I knew we had to ask her to help communicate our work to a younger generation.”
Washington Wild reached out to Jaidacyn and in November 2020, contracted with her to unveil a four-part video series, entitled “Conservation Chat,” which takes an in-depth look at conservation issues that Washington Wild is leading statewide.
Madrigal covers complex topics in just five minutes, including Washington Wild’s efforts to defend our remaining old-growth forests within National Forest Roadless Areas, protect the Skagit River Headwaters, support the Wild Olympics legislation, and review Washington Wild’s 40-year history. The video series offers a fast-paced and engaging avenue for supporters to get informed, then take action.
“Washington Wild works hard to protect and defend wild lands and rivers in order to keep them safe and thriving and address the increasing impacts of climate change,” said Madrigal, “They do a great job of making action alerts easy. You can go directly to the alert on their website and the letter is written out for you, you just write in your name and information.”
Madrigal’s EcoGirl channel is all about providing easy, everyday action to help individuals feel empowered by making conscious choices that benefit the environment. Raised in Everett, Washington, Madrigal didn’t learn about climate change until taking a high school AP Environmental Science class which was “an eye-opener.” She thought there must be other young people out there who aren’t being informed about this issue.
Now as a recent college-graduate in her twenties, Madrigal is dedicated to educating not only her peers, but younger generations – “our future.” Recent projects include offering presentations to high school classes and a children’s book for grades K-second.
“A lot of high schools don’t have environmental studies courses,” said Madrigal, “I’m lucky that mine did because if it hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here right now doing this work.”
Working to protect our wild places at any age—but especially as a young person—can be overwhelming. Madrigal acknowledges this and offers a few tips:
- Consider the big picture: “I’m a firm believer in think global, act local.”
- Connect with other people: “Getting friends and family onboard around an environmental issue can make a huge difference.”
- Get Involved: “Do research on organizations that your passions align with to support. Volunteering is also great because you can meet a community of like-minded people to talk with, and that helps make some of these big issues less scary.”
View the Conservation Chat web series on Washington Wild’s YouTube channel, Instagram (@wa-wild), and Facebook. Follow EcoGirl on YouTube and Instagram for more environmentally friendly tips.
