Bekah Greenwald, Director of Grants
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Our team is at the heart of everything we do at the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, and we’re excited to share their stories with you! In our “Meet the Team” series, we’ll highlight the passionate individuals who make our work possible—sharing their roles, inspirations, and favorite moments along the river. From personal reflections to environmental insights, this series is a way for you to connect with the people behind the WRWC and learn what drives them to protect and celebrate the Woonasquatucket River and its watershed.
Meet the WRWC Team: Bekah Greenwald
Role at WRWC:
Director of Grants
How long have you been part of the WRWC team?
Since January 1, 2018, officially — but I started helping out in 2017!
What’s something about the Woonasquatucket River or WRWC’s work you wish more people understood?
As one physicist recently put it, when it comes to climate change, our only choices are to prepare, to adapt, or to suffer — and it’s up to us now to choose the mix we’ll face going forward. I wish more people understood this important (if totally depressing) context around our work. I also wish more people understood why we need to focus resources on those in our watershed who face the biggest risks related to climate change and who have the fewest resources and resilience to prepare, adapt, and rebound. I hope we choose action over suffering for all as we hone our strategies and grow our work!
What’s an environmental issue close to your heart that you’d love to see the community tackle? Why?
What used to be called Deep Ecology — basically a social and philosophical movement built on the idea that all living things have inherent value and should be treated with respect and protection. It also repositions humans as equal to other species (and honestly, I’d rank humans as much inferior to most other species these days…).
Do you have a favorite spot along the river or in the watershed? What makes it special?
For me, the most special place is the Olneyville Resilience Hub!
What’s one small action you’d encourage people to take to help the environment?
Spending time outdoors just connecting, observing, breathing, and feeling. If we all took some time to “turn off and tune in,” I think we would very organically reprioritize our actions and habits.
If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be?
I’m an avid knitter, but I wish I could crochet too! I’ve also dabbled in cord making and basket weaving — I’d love to learn to do a lot more with natural fibers I harvest myself.
Do you have a favorite plant, tree, or green thumb tip?
I’m quite enamored of my giant pencil cactus plant, which I keep propagating for others.
Is there an animal (wild or pet) that you feel a special connection to, or one that always makes you smile?
Well, I am a practitioner of badger medicine. Ask me when you see me!
Anything else you’d like to share with the world?
For an urban city chick, I really love not just spending time outdoors but actually living outdoors — camping, going to outdoor retreats, and making time to be outside for many days at a time. As I get older, it gets harder. By the way, I’m currently the oldest person on staff (if that’s of any interest)!