Iris (left) and Jasmine (right) working on bittersweet vines at Macdonald Park. Credit: MyRWA
Introduction:
Iris and Jasmine Zhao are residents of Malden and have been a part of many volunteer efforts across the watershed. They were the first ever youth recipients of our Volunteer of the Year award in 2021. We are extremely grateful for their continued contributions over the years and the ideas, creativity, and leadership they bring to MyRWA projects. In the Q & A below, Iris and Jasmine share about their volunteer experiences, what they’re excited for, and their advice for new youth volunteers.
Q & A:
What is your favorite part of the watershed and why?
Iris: My favorite part of the watershed is the sense of community that it creates. Being a part of the watershed for over 3 years, I have learned so much about our environment and how we, as a community, can take action to save it. I see hope in the future of all the great things the watershed can achieve.
Jasmine: My favorite part of the watershed is that it actively allows people to help the local environment. People often watch the news and feel that there is nothing they can do about environmental issues. People can take an active role in helping the environment and the communities in and around the watershed.
What are the projects that you've been involved with as a volunteer?
Iris: As a volunteer, I have focused most of my time on the battle against invasive species. Projects such as removing water chestnut and bittersweet vines from parks have shown me the improvements that can be made within the community. These projects prove that there is a way for people to participate in helping our ecosystems without needing to have any experience or expertise in the subject.
Jasmine: I am mostly involved in stewardship projects, such as removing invasive water chestnuts and bittersweet vines. I also enjoy public art projects, like touching up the Mystic Lakes mural every year. Some of my favorite projects are community events that I’ve attended or helped plan, like dinners, Wicked Hot Mystic events, and youth celebrations.
Jasmine holding a basket of water chestnut. Credit: MyRWA
Iris and Jasmine touching up the watershed mural. Credit: David Mussina
What inspired you to become a volunteer at MyRWA & and why do you keep doing it?
Iris: My love for canoeing brought me to the watershed. When I was in middle school, I came across the MyRWA “Canoe for a Cause” email and saw it as an opportunity to go canoeing for free. After my first volunteer experience, I was excited to go back and be able to spend more time outdoors while improving the environment through community service. With a passion for climate change and environmental justice, MyRWA has allowed me to make a difference and inspires me to continue working with them to reprimand the damage in our ecosystem.
Jasmine: During the lockdowns in 2020, My family and I were looking for safe outdoor activities. Like Iris, we came across the “Canoe for a Cause” email. I was excited to get on the water while helping the environment.
What is something you're excited about for the Mystic?
Iris: I am excited about the new renovations that MyRWA is enacting in public areas such as parks and beaches. These new environmentally friendly additions improve public spaces and recreation.
Jasmine: This year, I saw major improvements in the amount of water chestnuts in the river. We were able to remove water chestnuts from neighboring areas, like the Arlington Reservoir. It’s exciting to see everyone’s volunteer work pay off.
What would be your advice to new youth volunteers?
Iris: Advice I would give to new youth volunteers is to have hope for the future of the environment and for MyRWA. Having the energy to keep volunteering will definitely be rewarding and make an impact in MyRWA’s mission.
Jasmine: I recommend participating in different types of activities to find what you like doing. Make new friends and get to know the individuals in the community. This way, you would have a memorable time making a positive impact.
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