Cameron McKenzie (he/him)

About Cameron's Community Action Project (CAP)

Through partnership with the NJ Migrant Education Program and the Native American Advancement Corp, Cameron’s community action project will connect migrant and tribal youth (grades 4–12) in New Jersey with local forests through experiential learning, stewardship, and exposure to environmental careers. Students will explore forest ecosystems through recreation, drone-based mapping, tree planting, and citizen science (e.g. collecting data on tree and stream health). They will meet local STEM professionals, including foresters, ecologists, GIS analysts, and drone pilots, who will introduce them to careers in the environmental sector.

Students will also translate art into advocacy by creating drawings that reflect their forest experiences, connections to nature, and imagined ecological futures. These artworks will be compiled into a digital mural telling the story of tribal and migrant communities in New Jersey and the power of place-based learning. The mural will be printed on canvas and turned into a portable tent, which will be used as an advocacy tool to raise awareness of the educational needs of tribal and migrant youth and the contributions tribal and migrant families make to the state’s economy, culture, and environment.

By combining outdoor learning with exposure to STEM careers, the project will empower students to use their experiences in nature and art as tools for civic action. 

About Cameron

Cameron is a Natural Climate Solutions Researcher with the Yale Applied Science Synthesis Program, where he conducts research to evaluate the efficacy of current natural climate solutions like agroforestry and tropical forest restoration. He is passionate about public service, environmental stewardship, and research–values that have guided his career with AmeriCorps, the USDA Forest Service, Engineers Without Borders, and the Yale Center for Environmental Justice. Outside of work, Cameron serves as a Commissioner with the NJ Commission on National and Community Service and on the Board of America’s Service Commissions. In his free time, he enjoys biking, reading, spending time with his borzoi, Anita, and collecting bucket hats.

More About Me

What (or who) keeps you hopeful for the future?
The human capacity to change–to learn, unlearn, and grow together–keeps me hopeful.

What are three environmental values that you try to share with others? OR what are three environmental values you try to emulate? 
Three environmental values I try to emulate are: resilience in the face of disturbance; reciprocity and stewardship - giving back to the places and people who sustain us; and environmental justice - centering frontline communities and sharing power.

What is one fun fact people should know about you? 
I am a triplet.