A Rocha USA

Ever wondered what roams "the Galapagos of Texas" at midnight?

Gracie Bartley did and spent this spring documenting some of them for a brand-new StoryMap.

👉Swipe through to see and learn more about the unique species so many are working hard to protect in the Texas Hill Country. Its many river systems form a network of greenbelts inhabited by a wide range of biodiversity.

Take a look at the locations these trail cameras are set and learn more about the wildlife they capture. It's exactly what we're working to protect through our partnership with the Bull Creek Foundation: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/151ffec74cd04c2b80da430aacf8fffa

Thank you to our current intern, .bartley, for bringing this StoryMap to life!

We launched our conservation internship program four years ago for young Christians who felt the weight of caring for a hurting creation and didn't want to carry it alone.

Sixteen interns later, we've watched people go from uncertain students to oyster reef builders, marine educators, conservation coordinators, and PhD candidates. And as you can see in the graphic, 14 of those 16 are still connected to A Rocha, and 12 are working in conservation today.

The grant that made it possible is ending. Three new interns start this fall. We want to keep supporting these young adults and need your help!

If you've been looking for a way to invest in the next generation of Christian conservationists, learn more about our internship program and donate here: https://arocha.us/donate/internships

More about our internship program here: https://arocha.us/internships 🌿

Yay, Rebekah Novak!

Meet Rebekah Novak: From Student to Staff — Au Sable Institute Meet Rebekah Novak: From Student to Staff

Michaela Stenerson graduated from Taylor University with a degree in sustainable development and a question: was her calling to help people, or to care for creation?

During her two years with A Rocha USA, first as a conservation intern, then as an intern lead, she found not only her answer, but also a community that confirmed it's never been either-or, always both-and.

“I love being able to facilitate this deeper connection to place and help people feel more at home in the ecosystems that surround them.” -Michaela Stenerson

She now works as an Education Specialist at the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach, FL. 🌊☀️🛥️

We would love your support this summer for the program that makes this kind of faith-science and human-creation integration possible. Learn more and donate here: https://arocha.us/donate/internships

Michaela's full story: https://arocha.us/finding-belonging-in-the-community-of-creation

Growing up in the Amazon, "creation was never abstract," but rather a part of Marliz Arteaga's everyday life.🌿

Now, in our latest staff Q&A, Marliz reflects on how her current work weaves together a PhD in interdisciplinary ecology, years of community-based work in the Amazon, and her deep faith.

As the Church Engagement Coordinator for our Branches of Faith project, Marliz works with churches across Austin to plant trees in under-canopied areas and bring shade and cleaner air to communities in need. ⛪🌳

We asked Marliz about her journey with A Rocha, her faith, and what she believes God is still doing in and through creation. Read more in our blog here: https://arocha.us/from-the-amazon-to-a-rocha-usa-qa-with-church-engagement-coordinator-marliz-arteaga

Last week, youth from Audubon Park Church gathered in Titusville for a day of kayaking, creation care, and Psalm 104 on the Indian River Lagoon.🌿🦀🌊

Together they explored the stormwater challenges facing the Indian River Lagoon, paddled out to Horseshoe Crab Island with our guide, Sunny, from Sunny Nights Kayak Tours, and closed the day with a contemplative devotional rooted in Psalm 104, alongside a litter cleanup.

We are grateful for .r.robinson, Dr. Bob Sluka, and everyone who made the trip out. And a huge thank you to Sunny for sharing her knowledge and love of the lagoon with us.☀️🚣‍♀️ Check out her page 👉 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573070036660

Last week, our West Michigan Churches of Restoration joined our partners Western Theological Seminary to get our hands dirty with augers and drills, planting a pollinator garden. 🌱🐝🌷

It was a fruitful day working alongside one another and caring for a small yet sustainable patch of creation together. There was even a moment to read a planting liturgy from Every Moment Holy together before putting the first plants in the ground.

Want to learn more about how your community or church can become involved in projects like this one? Check out our Church Partners webpage 👉 https://arocha.us/church-partners

Check out this great conversation with our advisory council member Debra Rienstra, Bill McKibben, and our partners over at Circlewood.

The Time to Act is Now: The Case for Renewable Energy, with Bill McKibben Send us a voice note (https://www.buzzsprout.com/748574/fan_mail/ne...

A marine scientist revisits his old diving grounds after 40 years 🤿

While diving in the Florida Keys, USA, A Rocha’s Bob Sluka encountered both conservation threats and successes. He saw the heartbreaking decline of coral reefs he knew in his youth—but he also met "many old friends."

In fact, he encountered more Goliath Groupers on a single dive than he saw in hundreds of dives as a graduate student. Why? Because of strong protection and active management by the National Marine Sanctuary.

For , this year’s theme reminds us why we need "Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet." MPAs are the key to safeguarding 30% of our ocean by 2030. From Kenya to Florida, A Rocha bridges science and faith to help these vital waters flourish.

🌊 Read Bob’s full reflection on the A Rocha blog: https://blog.arocha.org/en/florida-keys/

Meet Nick Davis. 🌊🐡

He grew up in Indiana dreaming of the ocean. A Rocha's intern program was an "amazing guiding light and stepping stone" where he spent nine months in Titusville studying the Indian River Lagoon, learning to scuba dive, and connecting with researchers who opened the next door for him to continue caring for creation.

Now he's a marine biologist whose research on pipefish is helping guide seagrass restoration in that same lagoon.

Nick is passionate about making his research accessible to everyday people. Swipe through to see what Nick is up to now and follow him at .00 to see more of his work up close.

His internship was made possible by donors like you. Help us make this opportunity accessible for the next Nick: https://arocha.us/donate/internships