October 23, 2025
Howdy! I’m Chunteva Smith and I’m excited to serve as the 2025–2026 AmeriCorps Environmental Educator with the Nisqually River Education Project! I recently earned my Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management, and over the past few years I’ve built a broad background in forestry (including silviculture and timber sales), habitat restoration, greenhouse management, GIS, and resource management. I’ve worked with the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and alongside tribes, Throughout this journey I’ve developed a deep passion for environmental education.
I truly believe that fostering curiosity in young minds is key to growing future environmental scientists who care about restoring and protecting the landscapes we rely on. As an AmeriCorps member this year, I’m excited to lead programs that get students outdoors, spark their interest in science, and support diversity and inclusion in environmental education, all while being part of the Nisqually Watershed community through the amazing NREP team. I was born and raised in Seattle, where access to nature wasn’t always a given, but I wasn’t far from the puget sound and various city green spaces. My dad is a true Minnesota outdoorsman who took every opportunity to bring me into the woods, let me climb trees, camp, hike, and dig in the dirt. He would hand me leaves, berries, and flowers to identify (and sometimes taste), explain tree types, and even teach me how to recognize animal scat, all of which fed my curiosity and gave me a lasting connection to the natural world. That early love of exploration drives me today, and nothing makes me happier than seeing that same spark in a kid who gets excited about being outside in the rain, touching something new, or asking questions because they’re genuinely fascinated by what they’re learning.
I started my academic path at Green River College in their Natural Resources Program, where I was fortunate to learn from inspiring professors like Monica Paulson-Priebe, Chuck, Josh, Rolf, Sam, Gene, and Eric – each of them deeply knowledgeable and committed to the field. I’m incredibly thankful for the guidance and mentorship they gave me. Before this role, I hadn’t heard of the AmeriCorps Environmental Educator position, but I knew I had a passion for sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation. I got a glimpse of that potential during my BAS capstone restoration project at Parkside Elementary in Tukwila, and I’m thrilled to now bring that experience into my work with NREP. I’m here to grow and learn, while supporting and inspiring the next wave of environmental stewards. I am honored to work in the Nisqually Watershed along with so many amazing, passionate, and hardworking individuals.
Feel free to contact me with any questions at chunteva@nisquallyriver.org
