J. SHAH (SHE/HER)
Habitat biologist
Yakima, Washington
I’m passionate about the shrub-steppe, because it feels like a forgotten, beautiful, diverse biome that is fragile, but important and resilient. So many individual species have evolved over thousands of years to be able to survive in an arid environment where nothing else can survive. We’re the stewards of the earth, so I feel like it’s my personal calling in life to be a good steward. Development and human progress are never going to stop, so it’s important to find ways to work with the community to make sure that we’re meeting needs while also protecting habitat and wildlife. We’re fighting an endless battle, one that may not be won in our lifetime. And we’re not going to be able to solve every problem, but it’s important to try to move the needle as much as we can.
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This article appeared in the April 2025 print edition of the magazine with the headline “#IAMTHEWEST.”
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