Welcome Liz Bolton to Sweet Water!

We have a new Environmental Outreach Coordinator here at Sweet Water! Each year, Sweet Water partners with Marshfield Health Clinic to host an AmeriCorps member for a year of service. Liz is joining the team to help us advance environmental health in southeastern Wisconsin communities by providing stormwater education to residents and businesses. She will provide ways that people can take actions to improve water quality and watershed health.

Liz answered some questions about herself and how she decided to spend a year of service with Sweet Water.

Where are you from?

My earliest memories are of rural Wisconsin, however I’ve lived Milwaukee since I was 8, and have lived all over the city. I attended UW-Stevens Point and UW-Milwaukee for my bachelors and masters degrees in biological sciences.

What exactly is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.  Their programs range from increasing academic achievement and mentoring youth to helping fight poverty and environmental issues.  It is supported by the government, businesses, and corporations. 

My program is funded through the Marshfield Clinic Health system Community corps, which is a unique Public Health AmeriCorps program that matches community/environmental health based organizations with dedicated individuals interested in advancing health priorities in Wisconsin communities. 

How did you become interested in environmental issues?

I remember being inspired as an 8-year old girl watching the 20th Anniversary Earth Day special featuring Bette Midler as Mother Earth and Robin Williams as “Everyman.” I was so excited that so many people were so serious about protecting the planet.  While environmentalism was always in my heart, I personally chose the world of molecular biology and later clinical research as a profession, which led me to an entertaining career at a variety of biotech companies, clinical labs and research data resource centers.

I’m now ready to take on a new challenge. Public and environmental health, water resources, and education are all interests of mine which I could never pack into a dissertation while I was at UWM as a graduate student. I was really excited to find an opportunity to explore all these facets of human health working for Sweet Water.   I’m also excited to get out more in my community and make real connections where I can.

Why did you choose to take a term of service with AmeriCorps in place of a traditional job?

I am looking to resurrect my environmental background after being out of the field for a while.  I’m grateful Marshfield Clinics was able to support so many public and environmental issues with their Volunteer Wisconsin program this year as it gives me a chance to do some skill building, make meaningful connections, and serve my community.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to get outdoors to go kayaking, biking, sailing, cross-country skiing, or camping.  This year my family chartered a boat to sail on Green Bay for the weekend which was a sailing/cooking/camping experience that I definitely need more of!

At home I love to cook, take my dogs out, and work on my native gardens.

What would you like to do when your service year with AmeriCorps is complete?

I am looking for more opportunities in the field, and learning what education I might need in order to make the dream work!  I am looking forward to networking over the next year and seeing what shakes out.