Clearwater is thrilled to introduce our new Education Director, Emily Marcet! Emily joined Clearwater as our Donor Relations Coordinator in the late summer of 2024 and then applied for the Education Director position, beginning her new role in January 2025. She brings 15 years of environmental education experience and a deep reverence for the Hudson River. Learn more about Emily and what drew her to Clearwater:
What inspired you to work for Clearwater?
I was inspired to work for Clearwater after a few years of learning about the Hudson River from some of the most passionate, charismatic environmental educators in our region, some of which were once or are still a part of the Clearwater staff. Being in a consulting role for several organizations that study the Hudson in either ecological or cultural contexts transformed the Hudson Valley for me and gave this place meaning for me personally.
What draws you to work for the Hudson River?
Gaining more insight into the importance of the Hudson River in history, both human and natural, and its importance as a unique estuarine ecosystem inspired me to want to protect it. That means paying attention to and being more involved in things that impact the river and its surrounding communities. I’ve lived all along the mid Hudson Valley, from northern Westchester to northern Dutchess on the east side, and Orange and Ulster on the west side. I’ve loved getting to know all the little tributaries and seeing their path to the mighty Hudson.
Do you have a favorite way to experience the Hudson River or Hudson River watershed?
My favorite way to experience the watershed is to hike or walk along the tributaries and main channel. Probably my favorite is Black Creek Preserve. I spent a lot of time there in the years I lived around that area, and it’s really special to me.
What are you looking forward to in your first six months at Clearwater?
I’m transitioning from the Donor Relations Coordinator to the Education Director position, so I’ve been able to get my feet under me as a part of the Clearwater team already. I’m really looking forward to welcoming the Onboard Program Coordinators in late winter and working more closely with the Captains and crew. I’m planning to spend a full week onboard the sloop early in the sailing season so I can get a solid understanding of the boat’s needs, volunteers’ needs, and how they relate to the overall goals of the organization. I’m committed to doing the best I can to support existing programming and look forward to collaborating with the rest of the team to increase the breadth of our program offerings in years to come.
More about Emily:
Emily’s introduction to environmental education began with an experiential semester during her tenure at Penn State University. A simple 2 credit course acting as a residential counselor for week-long excursions for elementary students was the catalyst for a 15-year trajectory through conservation nonprofits and natural history museums.
After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management, Emily spent three years in the Adirondacks leading backcountry hiking, climbing, and paddling adventures for English immersion students in the High Peaks Wilderness. She worked in Ketchikan, Alaska as the Program Coordinator for the Ketchikan Indian Community’s Tribal salmon hatchery and eagle center, serving Native and public school students and community organizations with environmental programming. She managed the Wildlife Education Center in Cornwall, NY for six years before opening her own consulting firm to provide conservation organizations with services to develop interpretive plans and programming.
Emily owes her reverence and love for the Hudson River and Valley, in part, to her colleagues at Clearwater, their deep knowledge, considerable dedication, and unending passion. She’s proud to be a member of this organization that protects the Hudson River and its tributaries.
To connect with Emily, email her at emily@clearwater.org.
