MU Alumna Makes Waves in Water Conservation

Millersville alumna Abigail Horst '24 has stepped into a new role as a watershed restoration assistant at Stroud Water Research Center, assisting the Center's Watershed Restoration Group in overseeing, coordinating and maintaining landowner relations for the implementation of agricultural and watershed restoration projects.

A large portion of her time is dedicated to coordinating the planning, planting and maintenance of riparian forested buffer projects, which consist of planting native trees and shrubs along waterways to create a wide protective, forested zone.

"From a very young age, I spent most of my time outdoors, learning and playing in nature," says Horst. "I especially enjoyed stomping through streams and searching for all the little organisms I could find. By the time I reached college, I knew I wanted to work in a wetland environment. Much of my coursework focused on wetland ecosystems and the macroinvertebrates that inhabit them."

Horst's time at Millersville University provided her with opportunities to become well-rounded across various areas of biology, while also allowing her to focus on studies and research related to her interest in freshwater ecosystems. Through hands-on lab work and the opportunity to conduct her own research under the guidance of her professors, she refined her skill set and built the confidence needed to succeed in her field.

Horst's goal in her new position is to connect landowners with the Stroud Center to support the implementation of agricultural best management practices that promote healthier, cleaner water.

"The days working in water restoration can be long and physically demanding, but the impact these projects have on the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding watersheds, as well as on local wildlife communities, makes it all worthwhile," says Horst. "This work is meaningful to me because they create lasting, visible changes over time. It's bigger than just planting trees, it's about building a connected system that protects our waterways, supports ecosystems and provides lasting long-term benefits for many organisms and the environment to come."

Horst offers advice for the next generation of environmental biology students aiming to excel in watershed conservation:

"Take every opportunity to get involved in areas you're passionate about," says Horst. "I am a big advocate for internships. Internships are incredibly valuable for bridging the gap between coursework and real-world experience, so I highly recommend investing the time in one. You never know where it might lead! I was hired full-time at Stroud after completing an internship."

If you are interested in learning more about the watershed restoration group or other departments at the Stroud Center, please visit their website at https://stroudcenter.org/.