With the Idaho Legislative Session underway we’re proud to announce the additions of Anna Lindquist, Elyse Durand, and Conner Jackson to our team.
As fellows, they will assist us in our efforts to tracks bills, develop policy and communicate news from the statehouse during this busy legislative session.
Each fellow is happy to have found their way to CVI because it opens the door to learning how to protect the natural environment and the high-quality of life found in our great state. Anna grew up in Texas and then headed west to attend the University of Puget Sound. After graduating with a B.A. in anthropology and sociology, she moved to Boise for an internship with Earthly Delights Farm.
“During that internship with Earthly Delights Farm,” Anna said, “I realized my great love for both the cultivated and wild spaces of Idaho.” When Anna is not at CVI, she is the native plant lead at the Idaho Botanical Garden. It’s a position that allows her to educate the public about the diversity of native plant flora and sustainable landscaping techniques.
“I’m really looking forward to learning about how to take an active role in the policy making process, both as a citizen and part of a non-profit organization such as CVI,” said Anna.
Elyse is currently a student at Boise State University who originally hails from Virginia. After moving around the country, she was ecstatic to land in Idaho, for it was in Idaho that Elyse discovered outdoor activities and political organizing. “I haven’t turned back since moving here,” Elyse said. “I love hiking, camping, running and the single-track mountain bike trails Boise offers. There’s so much to do here.”
“CVI is involved with many different aspects of political work that I’m interested in exploring as a career path,” added Elyse. “Through this fellowship, I’m looking forward to learning more about how the legislature works and how it enacts environmental policies.”
Conner is from Colorado, but he’s lived in Idaho longer than he lived in his birth state. He now considers Idaho to be his home. He says so with pride. It was in Idaho that he became immersed in various outdoor activities. Conner attended The College of Idaho and graduated with a B.S. in environmental studies. He’s worked as a raft guide on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and it was while working as a guide that he became interested in getting involved with environmental campaigns.
“I’d like to learn how to make sure that future generations of Idahoans have the same access to public lands and wild and scenic rivers that I have been fortunate enough to experience myself,” said Conner. “If that means learning how to tie a tie (a recent accomplishment) and keep track of legislation, then I’m all for it.”
With their distinct backgrounds and shared passion for being outside, we are excited to welcome aboard Anna, Elyse, and Conner as legislative fellows and help facilitate their education of the ins and outs of environmental advocacy.