Fresh Perspectives: Meet Palmer Land Conservancy's Summer Fellows
Back to blog feedAs the vibrant colors of summer bloom across southeastern Colorado's landscapes, Palmer Land Conservancy welcomes an infusion of talent and enthusiasm to our conservation team. This season, we're thrilled to introduce two exceptional student fellows who bring unique perspectives and passionate dedication to our mission of protecting the lands and waters that define our region.
The Power of New Perspectives
Palmer’s conservation work thrives on problem solving—the ability to see challenges through fresh eyes and imagine new solutions. This summer, Zach Bateski and Claire Moe join our team, bringing their unique backgrounds, education, and perspectives to Palmer's ongoing work. These fellowships not only provide valuable hands-on experience for the next generation of conservation leaders but also infuse our organization with new energy and ideas that will benefit the lands and communities we serve.
Meet Zach Bateski
CSU Impact MBA Fellow
Zach's connection to Colorado's natural beauty runs deep. Growing up fly fishing and exploring the Front Range and mountains of Colorado instilled in him a profound appreciation for our state's outdoor treasures. After earning his undergraduate degree in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from Colorado State University and working for two years as a water rights economist, Zach returned to CSU to pursue both an Impact MBA and Masters of Finance.
"The Impact MBA is a hands-on program with a huge emphasis on corporate sustainability and how we can conduct business that will enable a better world for future generations," Zach explains. "Pursuing both the Impact MBA and the Masters of Finance at the same time allows me to see viewpoints from opposite ends of the spectrum—on the sustainability front and the business front."
This summer, Zach will help Palmer assess challenges regarding the ongoing sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the face of drought, municipal growth, and economic changes. His unique blend of environmental expertise and economic insights positions him perfectly to develop an opportunity analysis in the water management sector, identifying where conservation, policy, and legal tools can provide durable conservation and community-driven solutions.
Meet Claire Moe
Heather Campbell Chaney Environmental Fellow
Claire's journey to Palmer began on the rocky beaches and among the evergreen forests of Washington's Puget Sound region. From childhood hikes with family and dogs, she developed a strong appreciation for the natural world and a passion for understanding local ecosystems. Now a rising senior at Colorado College majoring in Environmental Science, Claire has embraced the unique ecology of our region and the environmental challenges it faces.
Her interest in conservation deepened while working with a land trust in Washington, where she gained hands-on experience in land management and conservation. This summer, Claire will work with Palmer's stewardship team to monitor conserved properties, with a specific focus on the 20 publicly accessible parks and open spaces in our region. “I’m looking forward to furthering Palmer’s conservation commitment to the region and learning from Theron and Steve's experiences and expertise this summer,” Claire shared, “as well as exploring the open spaces protected by Palmer. I’m sure it will be a summer I will remember for years.” Her work will help track conservation values to ensure these lands remain healthy for generations to come.
The Legacy of Conservation Leadership
Claire's position is made possible through the Heather Campbell Chaney Environmental Foundation (HCCEF), which provides funds to support undergraduate and graduate fellowships at impactful environmental nonprofit organizations in the Pikes Peak region. Heather Campbell Chaney served on Palmer’s Board of Trustees from 1999 until her passing in 2001. In 2014, to honor her interest in and dedication to Palmer's work, the Foundation began funding fellowship positions at Palmer.
These fellowships offer meaningful, career-building opportunities focused on conservation leadership and legacy—a testament to Heather's enduring impact on Palmer and the broader conservation community. Through Claire's work this summer, Heather's passion for protecting our region's natural treasures lives on.
Looking Forward
As southeastern Colorado faces increasing pressures from drought, development, and competing demands for our natural resources, investing in the next generation of conservation leaders has never been more important. Zach and Claire bring fresh energy and specialized knowledge that will help Palmer Land Conservancy continue to adapt and respond to these challenges.
The Palmer staff welcome Zach and Claire for the summer. Their contributions this summer will not only advance our immediate conservation goals but also help shape a future where the lands and waters we all cherish remain protected for generations to come. Together, we're building a legacy of conservation that honors our past while embracing new perspectives for tomorrow.