A Humboldt State alum is the recipient of a national fellowship designed to advance the work of individuals with outstanding potential to help shape a brighter environmental future.
Eric Clough is one of 40 people selected from competitors nationwide for the TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Program, part of a new conservation initiative of the National Audubon Society with support from Toyota. Fellows receive specialized training in conservation planning and execution, the chance to work and share best practices with gifted conservation professionals, and assistance with project outreach and evaluation. Each Fellow will also receive $10,000 towards a community-focused project to engage local residents in conserving land, water and energy, and contributing to greater environmental health.
For his fellowship, Clough will focus his efforts on conserving the North Spit of Coos Bay, Ore., home to many species of waterfowl, raptor, and other birds and wildlife. With the Cape Arago Audubon Society, Clough will find new and innovative ways to protect this important habitat, while improving citizens’ access to the North Spit. By engaging property owners and other stakeholders in the planning and management discussions, Clough hopes to build a coalition that will ensure the survival of the North Spit – as well as support the creation of the North Spit Shorebird Sanctuary.
Involved in conservation efforts for 14 years, Clough is currently the president of the Cape Arago Audubon Society, a position where he has revitalized his fellow Audubon volunteers, restored regular monthly meetings and engaged the chapter in new community-based restoration projects, including habitat enhancement at Pony Creek Wetlands in North Bend and Millicoma Marsh in Coos Bay, Ore. By taking the time to talk to as many of their 180 chapter members as possible, Clough has been able to foster new relationships and spark interest in participation.
“Eric is the kind of person who can make a real difference in the health of our environment and the quality of our future,” said Audubon President John Flicker. “Each of our TogetherGreen Fellows demonstrates exceptional environmental understanding and commitment, combined with tremendous potential to inspire and lead others. Together, they represent the talented and diverse leadership the environmental community will need to tackle the huge challenges and opportunities confronting us now and in the years to come.”
Clough has been affiliated with the Cape Arago Audubon Society since 2004. Half of the TogetherGreen fellows come from within Audubon’s far-reaching national network; half channel their environmental efforts through other organizations.
“I am very honored to have been selected as a TogetherGreen Fellow,” said Clough. “Support from our local Audubon chapter members, other community members, and the support of the TogetherGreen grant has sparked the creation of what will become the North Spit Shorebird Sanctuary.”
Clough received a Bachelors degree in environmental chemistry from Humboldt State University. In addition to his current role, he is a Natural Resource Specialist for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, a position he has held for 13 years.
“Toyota believes in the power of grassroots efforts to develop the environmental leaders of tomorrow,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, Group Vice President, Toyota Motor North America. “These 40 TogetherGreen Fellows will receive invaluable training for the future while immediately making a difference today with on-the-ground community projects.”
A complete list of TogetherGreen fellows can be found online at www.TogetherGreen.org/fellows.