Jessica Goldstrohm shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jessica, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Nature draws me in for hours and fills my soul with peace, especially now with all the political turmoil. Nature continues as it always does regardless of what humans are doing and I find respite in that fact. One of my favorite places to go for this connection is my front yard garden. There is always so much activity there with the colors, textures, smells, sounds, rooted and unrooted kin, and surprise visits from favorite feathered friends-hummingbirds. It’s cooler now, so the activity has shifted, but the garden still has much to offer in every season. That’s where I go to find myself again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a dedicated civic ecologist and conservation biologist who brings a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to her work in conservation and community engagement. I am the founder and owner of Colibri Creative Conservation Solutions, LLC (https://colibricreativeconservationsolutions.com), where I work as a consultant and contractor, helping organizations design and implement nature-based solutions that foster community connection to nature and ecological health. I hold a Bachelor of Science in News Editing from the University of Colorado, a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University, and a Master of Arts in Biology with an emphasis in Conservation from Miami University, in collaboration with the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. This diverse academic background informs my holistic approach to conservation and education. Previously, I founded The Bees Waggle, LLC, where I designed and sold solitary bee observation houses and developed educational programs for K–12 students, cultivating curiosity and appreciation for native pollinators. My insect photography has been published in Falcon Guides, and I have contributed to soil biology and biodiversity curricula for organizations such as Beyond Pesticides and the Douglas County Conservation District. An active community leader, I have served on the boards of the People and Pollinators Action Network, the Colorado Pollinator Network, the Douglas County Conservation District, and the board of the Broomfield Open Space Foundation. I have also co-founded the Broomfield Open Space Action Network (BOSAN), organized the First Annual Nature Festival at Metzger Farm Open Space, developed the GRIT teen gardening program in Broomfield, and am currently spearheading the Inaugural Youth Pollinator Summit taking place on November 15th. I am known for my optimism, creativity, and high energy, I foster collaboration among municipalities, nonprofits, and community members to promote biodiversity, ecological restoration, and environmental stewardship. I am committed to reconnecting people with nature and transforming urban and suburban landscapes into thriving spaces for both community well-being and ecological resilience.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Walking myself to my very first day of school. I refused to walk with my mother, although she followed me, as I repeatedly waved my hand for her to go back home. I don’t know if powerful is the right word, but independent, which is powerful. I had mapped my way to school as we drove past, studying the streets that would lead me there. I did not tell my mother I was plotting to walk alone on my first day of school, I just did it. This story demonstrates my inherent character of determination to make my way in the world with confidence in my ability to do whatever I set my mind to.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Embrace your multifaceted self. You have many interests and that is a strength, not everyone has a linear and fixed path. It’s ok to pivot as your heart instructs to do so. When you pivot you find another piece of your kaleidoscope of skills. All of them will inform your life’s journey.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe our environmental problems stem from the vast disconnection between humans and nature. When people connect to nature through physically engaging with it daily, they receive both physical and mental health benefits. Increased nature in urban spaces increases community and lowers crime, while also employing ecological services that reduce atmospheric carbon, filters water, cools the urban spaces, and provides habitat for wildlife. Connecting to nature allows for personal experience, increased care for the natural world, and increased environmental stewardship. I will work to reconnect people to nature until the day I die.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was born to do however, it took some time for me to find this path. I was sure I was meant to go to medical school and become a medical doctor. From the age of nine I was stealing my mother’s books about Lupus from her nightstand to better understand her ailment. I studied human science for a very long time and applied to medical school three times to no avail. The final round of medical school application denials led me to take time to focus on being a mother to my two young daughters. We spent a lot of time walking the natural open spaces near our house, and they would point out the tiniest of creatures and flowers thus bringing me back to nature. I grew up playing outside making “potions” from plants, catching lizards, hiking, and camping; it was hard to bring me inside as a child. My daughters brought me back to that feeling. I stepped onto this path ten years ago and it has been one positive affirmation after another. My passion bubbles over so much that there really isn’t an off period from my work, but it isn’t the kind of work that drains, it’s the kind of work that energizes me- it’s a lifestyle. To me, that is a sure sign I am doing what I was born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://colibricreativeconservationsolutions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colibriconservation/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-goldstrohm-429b3539/
Image Credits
Jessica Goldstrohm on all except the hiking photo
Hiking photo- David Goldstrohm
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