On the final day of my Natural Resources and Human Ecology class, my professor shared a thought-provoking message: “College is about discovering the meaning of life.”
While I haven’t fully reached that point, I believe I’m on the right path. On May 9, I completed my first year at the University of Vermont, where I’m studying Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. Although Vermont is far from West Virginia and the politics are quite different, its mountainous landscape often reminds me of home.
My courses have introduced me to Vermont’s progressive environmental policies, especially one called Act 250—a land use law that regulates major development to protect the local environment.
This law plays a major role in preserving Vermont’s character, something my professors refer to as a “sense of place.” After spending time in Vermont, I now believe West Virginia could adopt similar practices to protect what makes our state unique.
Act 250 helps keep development in check, ensuring that Vermont’s towns remain vibrant and locally driven. It encourages the growth of small businesses while limiting large-scale commercial development. Why does this matter? Because small businesses have a much lighter environmental footprint than massive chain stores.
Big box stores with flat roofs and wide parking lots create major problems with stormwater runoff. When rainwater can’t soak into the ground, it flows across pavement, collecting pollutants and carrying them into local water systems. This damages both water quality and biodiversity.
In contrast, when I walk through Burlington, Vermont, I see thriving local businesses, community libraries, and flower gardens. These small touches make me feel connected to the town. People there value the environment deeply because it’s tied to their everyday life—whether it’s skiing, hiking, or just walking through clean, green neighborhoods.
Vermont’s environmental values show up at the polls too. Lawmakers there prioritize ecosystem health because it supports tourism, economic stability, and community identity. The Green Mountains, fall foliage, and forested ski trails aren’t just beautiful—they’re essential to Vermont’s economy and culture.
West Virginia has just as strong a “sense of place,” but I believe we can do more to protect and celebrate it. By strengthening environmental policies and promoting thoughtful land use, we can foster tourism, create jobs, and inspire pride in our natural spaces.
A deeper connection to place can also encourage people to take climate change seriously. After all, protecting our forests, rivers, and wildlife starts with caring about where we live.
The changing climate is a personal concern for me. At college, I’ve realized that protecting wildlife is my purpose. But as someone preparing for a career in conservation, I feel uncertainty about the future—especially with reduced environmental funding and political shifts that ignore science.
The day after the 2024 election, my university felt somber. Our professor understood the mood and offered us encouragement. He reminded us that even when the future feels uncertain, the environment still needs defenders. Our work matters more now than ever.
West Virginia’s beauty is undeniable, but its future depends on the choices we make today. Just as Vermont has embraced policies that nurture its landscape and culture, we can build a future in West Virginia that protects both our land and our people. A stronger sense of place isn’t just about pride—it’s about preserving what we love for generations to come.
