Compassion for Nature Leads Scientist to WRV

Celebrated researcher supports Colorado’s trails, habitats, and BIPOC outdoors people.

“I believe in Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, in its mission and vision,” says Dr. Nicole Mendoza, a volunteer, and donor. Growing up in Texas, she developed a love of nature at a very young age. No wonder that when she relocated to Boulder, she found her way to WRV. The senior researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory spends her days studying offshore wind energy and says, “I am consistently impressed by WRV – they are truly an amazing group of people accomplishing amazing things.”

“WRV accomplishes something that few others do – taking a group of random volunteers and achieving a shared goal for a greater purpose! I KNOW that WRV accomplishes great things with the money I donate.”

Nicole credits her mother’s example for her love of the environment and lifelong volunteerism. Nicole volunteered with the Scouts, the Texas Environmental Action Coalition, and the Galveston Bay Foundation in Texas. “I feel for the world…When I see the environment being hurt, I just have to take action.”

When she found WRV, Nicole dove in feet first, volunteering, training to be every type of leader, then learning to instruct future leaders herself. In 2018, she was awarded WRV’s New Volunteer of the Year award. In 2021, Nicole donated new, branded sandwich boards to show volunteers the way to projects. In addition, she has committed $5,000 to support WRV’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals, which are central to our strategic plan.

“Saving our planet requires everyone! Supporting WRV’s DE&I goals will engage folks from under-represented communities in outdoor stewardship, healing the land, and building community. I want to see more women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ folks in the outdoors…that’s valuable and aligned with my goals.”

Are you interested in supporting WRV’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals?  Learn more by contacting Sarah Egolf-Tarr, WRV’s Director of Development, at sarah@wrv.org.