The Conservation Crew is a sustainability organization on campus that focuses on protecting the natural environments surrounding Marquette. They host events that encourage local policy action, trail maintenance workshops and trash cleanups.

“Our goal is to mainly get students and community members involved in ways to protect and preserve the natural environment around us,” Brianna Elizondo, co-leader of Conservation Crew and sophomore biology major, said. “We focus on educating others and planning events that everyone can participate in.”

Members of Conservation Crew can choose to participate in as many activities as they feel comfortable and are also encouraged to suggest ideas for future sustainable activities. The best place to do this is at their biweekly meetings where they brainstorm events. The six co-leaders of Conservation Crew send out a monthly calendar that includes events in advance to help students plan their attendance. 

“Members can contribute feedback on our events and let us know their ideas for future events as well,” Elizondo said. “They participate in the activities we set up and can choose the events they attend and how often they participate.”

Conservation Crew also works with the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy to help maintain the Vielmetti-Peters Preserve and Tory’s Woods. They complete monthly trail maintenance at these sites which includes trimming low hanging branches, raking leaves off the trail and packing down snow.  
Students interested in joining Conservation Crew can message them on Instagram at @nmuconservationcrew, email them at [email protected] or visit their website and fill out a contact form to be added to their email list.