I chose to work with an American institution that shares my dreams. After a thorough search and consultations, I found time to work with the Yolo Basin Foundation in Davis. One thing I am glad about is that I have no regrets about my decision to work here. I became interested in working with this organization when I first paid a visit and volunteered over the weekend in Summer 2022. Since then, I have wanted to go back and spend more time working there.

Founded in 1910, the Yolo Basin Foundation offers environmental education programs to all ages on wetlands and wildlife. Housed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yolo Basin Foundation runs various programs, including Duck Days, Explorer series, bat conservation activities and guided tours on local wetlands.

Within the compound, there is a wetland area with various wetland wildlife. Besides being a habitat for wetland wildlife, this place offers a perfect hands-on environmental education program where kids from various schools in Sacramento are taught about the biodiversity, habitat, adaptation and conservation measures required to ensure a healthy wetland ecosystem.

Having a special interest in environmental education and degraded landscape restoration, I have had the privilege to work with other volunteers on wetland ecology. By using special equipment to study the various species in the wetland, I take school kids through the process of understanding wetland biodiversity.

With the changing climate and increasing human population, the world runs the risk of encroaching into protected wildlife spaces, hence the need to sensitize the younger generation about the consequences of declining wildlife populations. Back in Kenya, I work with learning institutions and community members near protected areas to help enhance livelihood through sustainable agricultural practices and the restoration of degraded landscapes. Through these initiatives, I am able to help enhance wildlife conservation and outreach to youths in learning institutions along with senior community members in parts adjacent to protected areas.

Working with Yolo Basin Foundation has not only enabled me to share my experiences and skills gained working in Africa but also helped me understand wetland conservation from the American perspective. By sensitizing the community on wetland and vernal pool conservation, I am able to help in the protection of endemic and endangered wildlife species along with enhancing biodiversity. On top of this improve water quality as these wetlands act as natural filters for water, contribute to the control of floods in Yolo County and the larger California state, as well as conserve wetlands that help in carbon sequestration, thereby mitigating climate change.

In addition to the conservation lessons, I am thrilled to have met many kind and generous volunteers who dedicate a significant chunk of their time to make the world a better place. I have been able to appreciate smaller details in biodiversity, such as tiny flowers, larvae of some insects, bird hides and nests as well the seasonal pools that play a major role in enhancing biodiversity.

My goal is to continue sharing my knowledge with the Yolo Basin Foundation and learn as much as I can to help me produce local solutions for my country. Since learning is an individual decision, but providing solutions is a collective responsibility, I look forward to sharing my experiences with my Kenyan youths and my organization to ensure that our global goals to enhance biodiversity conservation and mitigate climate change properly align.