CANOPY BLOG

Meet Lily Heidger, Canopy’s 2022-23 AmeriCorps VISTA Member

By Canopy Team on August 30, 2022

Lily Heidger (she/her) joined the Canopy team in August 2022 to serve as an AmeriCorp VISTA representative for the next year. We asked Lily a few questions to get to know her better.

What were you up to before joining Canopy?

Lily: I just moved from Brunswick, Georgia after graduating from the College of Coastal Georgia in May of 2022 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Geology. My degree concentrated on sustainability, policy, and management. I also just completed a remote internship with NASA helping make earth data more equitable for environmental justice communities.

Why do you think trees are so important?

Lily: I grew up loving trees. I had a favorite Sweetgum tree in my backyard that I spent hours climbing and playing in. In my imagination, all of the trees in my backyard had personalities and were my friends. It’s hard to not care about trees when about 25 of your childhood friends were trees, but I also came to realize that trees give us so much but ask so little in return. I hope that other kids can have the chance to grow up with tree friends like I did and come to love and value them like I do today.

What are you excited to be working on?

Lily: I am thrilled to be Canopy’s first Americorps VISTA member, working to develop this role for future VISTAs. My work will focus on establishing and maintaining community relationships, researching new fields and directions for the organization, and helping Canopy to reach its goals!

What is your favorite tree?

Lily: I love the American Sweetgum, also known as the Liquidamber (Liquidambar styraciflua)! They can often go unnoticed, but they provide great shade, are gorgeous in the Fall, and remind me of Georgia.

Favorite Quote?

Lily: “Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” Robin Wall Kimmerer

What are your favorite hobbies?

Lily: I love to do anything outdoors! Hiking, biking, caving, camping, climbing, etc.

Thanks, Lily! We’re so glad to have you on the Canopy team.

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