Scholar Spotlight: Megan Blackmon
Megan Blackmon is the Director of Projects for Lancaster Clean Water Partners where she she serves as the project lead for a unique and collaborative Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project that addresses conservation practices to meet agricultural priorities and improve stream health in Lancaster County. Her passion for the environment clearly comes from her love of the outdoors through camping, hiking and kayaking with her family.
We asked Megan about her thoughts and experiences in her involvement with Lancaster Watershed Leadership Academy.
Q: What inspired you to get involved in the Watershed Leadership Academy?
A: I wanted to learn more about the organizations undertaking clean water work throughout Lancaster County & I wanted to build my leadership skills.
Q: What is your main motivating factor to strive for clean water?
A: Clean water is the basis of life and is the cornerstone for a healthy & thriving community.
Q: What were your first thoughts about the Academy?
A: I was particularly excited to get to know the other scholars better – each of them are dedicated and inspiring.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your participation in the Watershed Leadership Academy?
A: We’re coming to the end of the Academy now. I think it has pushed me out of my comfort zone a bit and given me a few ideas of how I can continue to build my leadership skills. I also have a lot of new contacts!
Q: What has changed in the way you look at the environment since you began the Academy?
A: Continued appreciation for our natural world and the ways in which we all are connected and how we can help
For her Academy Action Project, Megan teamed with fellow scholars Andrew Pauls-Thomas and Aiden Das to host the Clean Water Starts Here event on October 14 at Sixth Ward Park in Lancaster to raise local public awareness of clean water issues and steps individuals can take to help. The event featured activities for kids, music, and light refreshments. Although the weather created a delay, artists Shauna Yorty and Keisha Finnie will be painting a storm drain mural on November 6.
When asked what she is learning about herself through her projects, Megan said, “I do not have the time to do as much as I would like, but I am slowly learning that that’s okay – every little bit and every additional connection helps.”
