With environmental science experience in biomes across the Americas, I have always had a particular interest in the conservation value of biota. Attempting to unravel the complex mysteries of the interconnected natural world brings me to the field and holds my interest.
Environmentalist, conservationist, learner
Howdy! My name is Sam Parks. I am currently pursuing a M.S. in Environmental Science & Policy from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH. My master’s research is understanding how patch-cut timber harvests (roughly 0.5-2 acres in size) within a mature forested landscape in New Hampshire impacts bird diversity and abundance during the breeding season. I hold a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in ecological restoration from Metropolitan State University in Denver, CO. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, trail running, and bird watching.
Past experiences
M.S. Plymouth State University
(Spring 2019 – Spring 2021)
I hold a Master’s of Science in Environmental Science & Policy from Plymouth State University. Some courses taken are: Land Conservation Techniques, Ecology, Avian Ecology, Watershed Systems, ArcGIS with Special Topics in ArcGIS, and R Statistics. My master’s thesis research focused on how interguild bird species in New Hampshire respond to age diversifying patch-cut timber harvest. Click here to learn more about my research
Naturalist and Researcher, UGA Costa Rica
(Aug. 2018 – March 2019)
While in Costa Rica, I led interactive presentations for a variety of guests on topical subjects for the region including land-use of the region, sustainability of the ecolodge, and ecologic systems of the area. When not interacting with guests, I initiated a phenologic study on the fruiting, flowering, and leafing events of 22 keystone tree species.
AlpineEco, Colorado
(Sept. 2017 – Aug. 2019)
I worked two seasons for AlpineEco nursery, where our specialty was growing wetland plants for restoration projects around the state of Colorado. Additionally, as an undergrad I interned for AlpineEco for a semester where I helped delineate wetlands, conduct plant censuses, and write end-of-year reports.
B.S. Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecological Restoration from Metropolitan State University, Denver, CO
(August 2014 – December 2017)
While at Metro, I partook in many hands-on field experiences including a 10 day geology of the Colorado Plateau field class, a self-directed research project monitoring water quality on the South Platte and a study abroad semester deep in the Amazonian Rainforest of Peru where I learned tropical ecology, political ecology of the region, conservation science, and conducted my own research on woody tree fern diversity. Additional coursework includes botany, entomology, global environmental field studies, and mountain environments.
Cashier, cart pusher, and gas attendant at Costco
(October 2013 – May 2016)
While working at Costco, I was trained in many different positions. My adaptability and experience allowed me to cover departments as needed.
Samuel D. Parks 