Author: Tavia Bryan ’27
Why We Need Conservation
Deforestation is unequivocally one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, leading to significant and often irreversible impacts on biodiversity, climate stability, and indigenous communities. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating the earth’s climate, and supporting a vast array of plant and animal species. However, deforestation — driven by agriculture, logging, and urbanization — destroys these ecosystems. It contributes to habitat loss, species extinction, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation efforts are vital to protect and restore these forests, and all the rich biodiversity that comes with it. By supporting conservation, we can help safeguard the planet’s natural heritage for future generations and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The Princeton Conservation Society (PCS) is a group on campus that puts this ideal at the forefront of its mission. Founded in 2017, PCS is a student-led organization dedicated to active environmental conservation and fostering a supportive community. We had the pleasure of speaking with Co-Presidents Connie Gong ’25 and Alliyah Gregory ’25, as well as Vice President Julianne Somar ’26 to explore the organization’s mission, structure, and activities.
Vision and Goals of Princeton Conservation Society
PCS continually strives to redefine its vision and goals, emphasizing hands-on conservation efforts, integrating service-learning and education, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive community. Gong notes that PCS has broadened their focus in recent years to include both domestically and internationally environmental stewardship, such as tree-planting projects. Through practical experiences such as tree-planting, members not only contribute to conservation efforts but also gain valuable knowledge and skills. Sommar highlights that the integration of service-learning with educational components is central to PCS’s activities. By engaging in these activities, PCS aims to foster a dedicated group of individuals who support each other in their shared mission and deepen their understanding of the broader impact. Gong also emphasizes the importance of including Native and Indigenous perspectives in environmental discussions. Recognizing that conversations about the environment cannot exclude the perspectives of those who have historically stewarded the land, PCS is committed to enhancing the involvement and representation of Indigenous people in their initiatives.
Their group operates with a horizontal organizational structure that emphasizes equality and collaboration among its members. Although there are formal roles such as Co-Presidents, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, these positions are primarily focused on logistical and facilitative duties rather than hierarchical control. In addition, PCS includes specialized roles such as Trips Chair, Media Chair, and Events Chair, each dedicated to managing specific activities and initiatives, further supporting the organization’s collaborative ethos.
Both Gong and Somar emphasize the importance of ensuring everyone’s ideas and contributions are equally valued, promoting a more inclusive and democratic decision-making process. Somar, an animal lover, joined PCS in the fall of her first year despite having no prior involvement in sustainability. She was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to a club she truly believed in and to engage in hands-on service. Gong, on the other hand, joined PCS in her first-year spring, bringing with her a longstanding commitment in sustainability, cultivated through her high school’s green team and her county’s office of sustainability. She was drawn to PCS’s transparent, non-hierarchical structure and welcoming environment, which allowed her the freedom to shape her involvement and pursue leadership roles.
PCS has made notable strides in recent years, achieving several significant milestones, reflecting its commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. A major accomplishment was hosting a speaker event featuring acclaimed author of “Braiding Sweetgrass,” Robin Wall Kimmerer. Among the event attendees was the Lenni Lenape Tribal Nation. PCS invited them both to foster dialogue between Indigenous nations about sustainability and in an act of reciprocity for the Nation’s support and participation in a past PCS event: the Youth Climate and Conservation Summit. Last fall, PCS made a notable impact by planting 30 trees in Trenton in collaboration with the New Jersey Tree Foundation. Their partnership continued into the spring, further demonstrating their commitment to hands-on conservation efforts. PCS local initiatives also include venturing to New York City for a bioblitz in Central Park, using iNaturalist to document the park’s rich biodiversity, and organizing a clothing swap during the spring semester to promote sustainable fashion and environmental awareness.
On the international front, PCS undertook a notable trip to Panama, their first in several years, collaborating with Pro Eco Azuero in one of the most deforested regions, with the trip providing valuable learning experiences. PCS has also previously hosted the Youth Climate and Conservation Summit (YCCS) in spring of 2023, where they engaged with youth climate activists from countries such as Colombia, Uganda, and the Philippines. Looking ahead, Somar notes that PCS is in the process of forming a partnership with Mountain Lakes Reserve to address invasive species.
Getting Involved
Princeton Conservation Society has made remarkable strides since its founding in 2017, distinguishing itself with an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and community building. Driven by the personal passions of its members, PCS continually refines its mission. PCS invites Princeton students to get involved, whether through attending weekly meetings or actively participating in community events, to collectively work towards a more sustainable future. Princeton students interested in getting involved can start by joining their listserv and GroupMe, and attending their weekly meetings typically held on Sundays at 5 p.m. in the Campus Club library. While regular attendance at meetings is encouraged, it is not mandatory for active involvement — students can participate in community events or event-focused meetings whenever their schedules permit.
GroupMe link: https://groupme.com/join_group/70867256/I450k9UH
ListServ: Conservation-Soc@princeton.edu
Citations:
United Nations. (n.d.). Forests, desertification and Biodiversity – United Nations Sustainable Development. United Nations. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/
Deforestation and forest degradation | threats | WWF. (n.d.-b). https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation-and-forest-degradation