Today we’d like to introduce you to Alli Eroh.
Hi Alli, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Alli Eroh, and my story begins with my upbringing in the Summit Park neighborhood of Park City, where my parents instilled in me a profound appreciation for the natural world.
Spending a considerable amount of time in Toll Canyon, hiking, and backcountry skiing, this space held immense sentimental value for me, my family, and the Summit Park community. When the distressing news of Toll Canyon facing potential development was announced, it prompted me and my family to take action. Guided by my parents’ exemplary commitment to conservation, I learned about Utah Open Lands and their invaluable support in safeguarding open spaces.
In partnership with Utah Open Lands, my family, neighborhood, and I embarked on a determined effort to protect Toll Canyon. In just five weeks the community raised the last $250,000 necessary to protect this landscape. Witnessing the overwhelming support of 400 individuals from our community, with contributions ranging from modest to substantial, was an inspiring testament to the significance of this cause.
This experience sparked a deep passion within me, leading me to pursue studies in sustainable marketing and environmental studies at the University of Oregon. During my time there, I interned for Nearby Nature, a nonprofit advocating for ecological living and fostering an appreciation for nature.
Upon graduating, I felt compelled to return to Utah and was privileged to join Utah Open Lands as an intern. Diligence, dedication, and a commitment to our mission have since propelled me to the position of Director of Community Engagement. In this capacity, I actively contribute to planning volunteer and fundraising events that effectively engage our community. I have successfully revitalized the intern program, cultivated essential community partnerships, and implemented impactful branding initiatives to further support Utah Open Lands’ noble cause.
My unwavering passion lies in creating opportunities for individuals to connect with the outdoors, and I consider it a true privilege to contribute my experience to a nonprofit organization that holds such a profound place in my heart.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I find solace in skiing, camping, and hiking, often accompanied by golden retriever, Arlo.
My journey underscores the remarkable power of a united community working towards a shared purpose. The preservation of Toll Canyon stands as a testament to the tremendous impact of collective effort and has fueled my dedication to advocating for environmental conservation and fostering enriching outdoor experiences.
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome the opportunity to share my story with Voyage Magazine, hoping to inspire others to find their purpose, make a positive impact, and cultivate a profound connection with nature and the world around them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While my journey has been incredibly fulfilling, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Working in the environmental space can indeed feel like an uphill battle at times, with seemingly insurmountable obstacles standing between us and our conservation goals. The urgency of environmental issues can be overwhelming, and the pace of change can often seem frustratingly slow.
One of the main struggles I’ve faced is grappling with the enormity of the environmental challenges we are up against. Climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline are complex issues that require collective action on a global scale. It can be disheartening to witness the seemingly slow progress and lack of immediate results. However, I’ve come to realize that meaningful change often takes time, persistence, and continuous effort.
Another challenge I’ve encountered is the need to strike a balance between advocating for systemic change and recognizing the importance of individual action. While working with Utah Open Lands and other environmental organizations, I’ve learned the significance of grassroots efforts and community involvement. However, it can be difficult to reconcile the scale of the problems with the impact of individual actions.
In the face of these challenges, I’ve found it essential to maintain a strong sense of purpose and focus on the positive impact we can make on a local level. Every conservation success, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Celebrating these victories and acknowledging the efforts of dedicated individuals and communities has helped me stay motivated and resilient.
Furthermore, I’ve realized the importance of building partnerships and collaborations. By working together with like-minded organizations and individuals, we can amplify our impact and effect meaningful change. Building strong community ties and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment has been a powerful driving force in overcoming the obstacles we face.
Though the path ahead may still be challenging, I have come to embrace the idea that every effort, big or small, matters. By focusing on the positive steps we can take, maintaining perseverance, and encouraging a sense of collective responsibility, we can continue to make a difference in the environmental space. While the road may not always be smooth, it is by working together that we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Utah Open Lands, I play a vital role in creating and distributing various outreach materials. As part of a five-member team, I am primarily responsible for organizing our events, which are essential for engaging the community and raising awareness about our conservation efforts.
One of the recent accomplishments that I am particularly proud of is the creation of Utah Open Lands’ Adventure Aware Guides. These guides serve as valuable resources, offering practical advice on how individuals can responsibly enjoy the outdoors. They provide tangible tips on respecting wildlife, adhering to Leave No Trace principles, and checking conditions before embarking on adventures, ensuring safe and informed experiences.
Additionally, we hosted our first-ever Adventure Aware Clinic at the Front Climbing Club, which focused on promoting responsible climbing practices. The clinic is centered around our “Leave it Loved” campaign, which emphasizes the significance of caring for and preserving the lands we recreate so that these lands do not become “loved to death.” By instilling a culture of mindfulness and stewardship among climbers, we aim to cultivate a deeper connection between the community and the conserved landscapes we protect.
These initiatives are part of our broader environmental education efforts, which strive to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make a positive impact on our natural world. By fostering a stronger sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility, we hope to create a lasting and meaningful difference in the way people interact with and protect their surroundings.
One thing that set Utah Open Lands apart from others is our unwavering commitment to community engagement. We believe that change starts at the local level, and by working closely with our community, we can inspire individuals to become advocates for conservation. The Adventure Aware Guides and clinics are just some examples of how we actively involve the public in our mission, encouraging them to take ownership of the natural spaces we protect.
I am genuinely honored to be a part of this impactful organization and to contribute to such essential initiatives. Witnessing the positive response from the community and the tangible difference we make in promoting responsible outdoor recreation brings me immense pride and reinforces my passion for environmental stewardship. Together, as a team and with the support of our community, we are making a meaningful and lasting impact on the conservation of our cherished landscapes.
Contact Info:
- Website: utahopenlands.org
- Instagram: @UtahOpenLands
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UtahOpenLands/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/UtahOpenLands
