I want to make sure itвЂ™s a safe space for everyone. We love to ask people why they enjoy being in nature, and we thought Krystyna would be a great person to ask this question to! Photo from Brenna Hernandez, Shedd Aquarium Resources like this can help with understanding nature and your surroundings! Why does Krystyna enjoy being in nature? She would see plants at different stages and learn from others about the different species around her. Krystyna discussed how she would go to a local grove on her lunch break and use an app to take pictures and identify plants. You can learn in the field and through past experiences and from other resources. Doing work like this often does not require a college degree. She wants everyone to have the opportunity to learn and grow from these kinds of experiences. When asked how she got started working within her community, Krystyna talked about how she wants people to have the opportunity to be exposed to nature like she has. They have seen wildlife return, and they are working to create a safe and educational program that allows people to learn about their natural environments! The program has been working hard with its partners at Urban Rivers to create a manmade wetland habitat within an area of the river dubbed The Wild Mile. Many people may view the Chicago River as dirty or something to avoid, but the river has come a long way. This program brings people to explore the Chicago River via kayak and learn about the wildlife that lives there. They strive to make it more accessible by offering varying programs for every level and having a low starting cost for individuals and families ($20 per person) with the option for individuals to donate more if they can. Krystyna also assists with the Kayak for Conservation program, which is the only fee-based program her team oversees. Krystyna went into more detail about what they might do with volunteers: The Aquarium volunteers and works with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, using hand tools to cut and burn invasive brush to make room for native flora and fauna. Woodland Habitat Restoration involves making a positive difference for amphibians and other wildlife by restoring habitats overrun by invasive species.

This could be through cleaning coastlines of litter, pulling weeds, planting native species, or seed collecting.

Coastal Habitat Restoration allows the Shedd Aquarium to work with the Chicago Park District to help maintain the natural spaces within city parks for the people and wildlife that enjoy them. The Shedd Aquarium Action Days Program revolves around engaging big and small volunteer groups in two main activities: Coastal Habitat Restoration and Woodland Habitat Restoration. She also assists with the LetвЂ™s Shedd Plastic Program and other public outreach work. In her current role as a Conservation Stewardship Facilitator within SheddвЂ™s Conservation Action team, Krystyna helps lead the Shedd Aquarium Action Days Program and the Kayak for Conservation Program.

Mysafe workplace habitat