Natalie Whitesel
2019 Summer Intern
Name: Natalie Whitesel
School: Whitman College
Hometown: Brush Prairie, WA
What brought you to Crag?: I have always been passionate about the environment and have come to understand the need to have organization’s that fight for it, as it can’t fight for itself. Crag’s aim to provide legal aid to the environment, is unique and exciting for anyone who recognizes the value of a thriving environment. Interning at Crag gives me the chance to explore the legal field through an environmental lens, and to gain experience in the field that I am so passionate about!
What are your environmental/legal interests?: My environmental and legal interests converge in environmental policy development. I hope to help develop policy that promotes a healthy relationship between humans and the environment, and leads us away from exploitation and over-consumption.
What will your work focus on while at Crag?: This summer, I will be working on a number of different projects; including issues with Oregon forests and water laws, forest fires and Climate Change, and the proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project.
Favorite place to recreate or be in nature: I love the ocean, so I’d have to say someplace tropical like Costa Rica, but I’m also a PNW’er at heart and love spending time in the Columbia Gorge.
Favorite books: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Favorite quote: “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.” – Jim Valvano