My name is Gabriel Watson, and I am currently studying for my Applied Sciences degree at Walla Walla Community College. Next year, I plan to transfer to the University of Idaho to study Conservation Biology and Wildlife Ecology. Through my work with the Umatilla Burrowing Owl Project, the Blue Mountain Audubon Society, and my own efforts building barn owl nest boxes, I’ve gained hands-on experience in conservation. I also use wildlife photography, shared on my Instagram (@watson_photography121), to promote environmental awareness and habitat preservation. As I’ve spent more time in the field, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impacts of development on ecosystems—especially in Washington’s sagebrush steppe. In one small patch of habitat, I observed diverse species like jackrabbits, hummingbirds, snakes, and lizards. Yet beyond that space, the landscape had been overtaken by housing developments and construction, leaving the area isolated and fragmented. This kind of habitat loss is directly tied to sustainability and climate change. As land is developed, ecosystems lose their ability to store carbon, regulate temperature, and support biodiversity. Species that depend on these environments often cannot relocate, leading to population declines and long-term ecological imbalance. A major issue is that many people are unaware of what is being lost. Without that awareness, there is little urgency to protect these ecosystems. I want to help bridge that gap by combining science with communication. My goal is to become a field biologist and eventually an ecologist, focusing on habitat conservation and sustainable land use. I hope to contribute not only through research, but also by educating others and advocating for responsible development. Protecting these environments is essential—not just for wildlife, but for the health of our climate and the future of our planet

My name is Gabriel Watson, and I am currently studying for my Applied Sciences degree at Walla Walla Community College. Next year, I plan to transfer to the University of Idaho to study Conservation Biology and Wildlife Ecology in the College of Natural Resources. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to several conservation efforts, including work with the Umatilla Burrowing Owl Project and projects associated with the Blue Mountain Audubon Society. I’ve also taken on my own initiatives, such as building nest boxes for barn owls and reporting unmarked snowy plover nest sites to the appropriate officials. In addition, I am a wildlife photographer, and I use my Instagram page, @watson_photography121, to advocate for habitat preservation and environmental awareness. As I continue to grow my audience, my goal is to expand beyond sharing wildlife images and begin educating people about more pressing issues, particularly habitat loss caused by development. This is something I’ve witnessed firsthand, especially in Washington. Recently, I was out photographing in a small patch of sagebrush steppe habitat. In that one area, I observed a wide range of species, including black-tailed jackrabbits, Anna’s hummingbirds, bull snakes, and side-blotched lizards. It was a reminder of how much life these ecosystems support. But when I looked up at the surrounding hillsides, I saw something very different. In every direction, what was once continuous habitat had been replaced by houses, roads, and ongoing construction. The small area I was standing in had become completely land locked. This is not an isolated case. As I drove toward the edge of the city, I saw more and more development spreading across the landscape—new housing projects, construction crews clearing land, and signs advertising future expansion. Much of this is happening in places like Richland, Washington, where desert ecosystems are often overlooked or undervalued. To many developers, the land represents opportunity and profit, but to wildlife, it is essential for survival. Many of the species that live in these environments depend entirely on this type of habitat. When it disappears, they don’t simply relocate—they decline, and in some cases, they may be lost from the area entirely. A major challenge is that much of the public is not fully aware of what is being lost. Without that understanding, there is little motivation to protect these spaces. That is something I want to help change. After earning my degree, I hope to begin my career as a field biologist and eventually work as an ecologist focused on conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife habitats. Over time, I would like to take on a larger role in outreach and public education, using both science and communication to raise awareness and influence conservation efforts. My goal is to contribute to the preservation of public lands, the protection of wildlife, and the long-term health of the environment. I want future generations to have the opportunity to experience these ecosystems and the species that depend on them—not just read about them after they are gone.

I am pursuing a career in wildlife biology and natural resources because I believe sustainability is essential to the long-term health of both human societies and the natural world. These fields require balance—meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive. Whether managing land, water, or wildlife populations, sustainable practices help ensure ecosystems remain resilient while continuing to provide critical resources and services. In natural resource management, sustainability means recognizing that resources are not infinite and must be managed responsibly. Short-term exploitation often leads to habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and lasting environmental damage. Sustainable management benefits people by protecting clean water, healthy forests, and productive land, while also supporting the ecosystems that depend on them. Science-based decision-making is essential for protecting these systems while allowing communities to coexist with and benefit from natural resources. From a wildlife biology perspective, sustainability extends beyond human needs and focuses on the health of entire ecosystems. Human activities, including development, recreation, and resource extraction, can significantly alter habitats and wildlife populations. Wildlife biologists work to understand these impacts and develop strategies that reduce harm and support long-term ecological stability. Protecting ecosystems rather than isolated species is especially important, as changes to one population can affect many others. My long-term goal is to become a field biologist working to preserve ecosystems at both local and broader political levels. Local conservation efforts are essential, but lasting change often depends on policies informed by strong scientific research. I hope to contribute to studies that guide environmental decision-making and encourage sustainable practices on a national and global scale. Effective conservation requires collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and communities, and I want to be part of that process. I am also a wildlife photographer based in Washington State, where I use photography to raise awareness about native species and habitats. Spending time observing wildlife through a camera lens has strengthened my understanding of animal behavior and deepened my appreciation for biodiversity. Photography allows me to share these experiences with others and help people connect emotionally with wildlife they may never see in person. While photography is a powerful tool for outreach, I have realized that pairing it with scientific expertise will allow me to create a greater impact. As a biologist, I would be able to contribute directly to conservation research, fieldwork, and management decisions. By combining science with visual storytelling, I hope to communicate complex ecological issues in an engaging and accessible way. Growing up in Washington, I have seen how policy decisions, land use, and public attitudes directly influence the landscapes and species around us. From forests and coastlines to grasslands and rivers, there are many examples of past errors having negative impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. These experiences have motivated me to pursue hands-on fieldwork while remaining engaged in education and advocacy. I want my work to be grounded in data, but communicated clearly enough to reach people beyond the scientific community. This approach reflects my commitment to practical, ethical, and inclusive conservation efforts that support lasting environmental progress everywhere long-term outcomes. Ultimately, my goal is to integrate wildlife biology, natural resource management, and photography to promote conservation and sustainability. I want to protect ecosystems not only through research, but also by educating and inspiring others. By encouraging understanding and respect for the natural world, I hope to support responsible stewardship that benefits wildlife, communities, and the environment for generations to come.

I am currently pursuing a degree in natural resources and am considering a double major in wildlife ecology, with the goal of becoming a field biologist focused on habitat and ecosystem conservation. My interest in this field was solidified through hands-on experience, particularly my volunteer work with the Umatilla Burrowing Owl Project. This opportunity provided firsthand insight into the challenges facing native species and demonstrated how research-based conservation can create meaningful change. I have been a hunter and fisherman my entire life, experiences that have fostered a deep respect for wildlife and natural systems. More recently, I have expanded this perspective through wildlife photography, which has strengthened my observational skills and allowed me to educate others about native species. By growing a following on platforms such as Instagram, I have been able to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and the impacts humans have on ecosystems. While photography has been an effective outreach tool, I have realized that I can make a greater long-term impact as a biologist. By combining scientific training with my communication and photography skills, I hope to contribute to conservation efforts that are research-driven and accessible to the public and support long-lasting environmental stewardship.