Bridget Knowles

Background

About Bridget Knowles

I could be okay doing lots of jobs, but I'm most happy working outside with living things. I went to college because it was the thing to do. I focused on sciences because that should get me a good paying job. But it still feels like luck or divine intervention that put my life on the track that seems to fit me best, and I'm still grateful for it! Working with threatened and endangered birds was incredibly fulfilling, but in the pursuit of finding a congruent balance between my work and personal goals, I pivoted. We don't always get things right on the first try, but I was able to confirm that medical sciences were not the solution. Again, fate stepped in and in the midst of global upheaval, I was able to take a risk, try something new, and don't envision needing a huge pivot ever again. Minnesota natural prairies cover only 1-2% of their historic expanse. This threatened habitat largely influences the success of many pollinators, some threatened as well, and their related ecosystems. An evolving challenge exists to try to rebalance the human impact on the earth, and individuals as well as groups need help and guidance on all levels to heal the impacts we have made on the world. Being a part of teams dedicated to improving the human/land relationship has been surprisingly fulfilling. As a self-proclaimed 'non-plant' person, I find myself periodically checking in to see if I'm still dedicated to this field. And every time, it's a resounding yes. The purpose is satisfying. The work is engaging. Even the struggles feel more like problems to be solved instead of deal breakers. It's not every job where you can say that. And now a new chapter begins where I get to learn how to lead, teach, and inspire others to feel the same. It feels like a lot of responsibility, but for a cause that's worth it, it's growth I'm willing to work on. And these plants aren't all that bad either.