Dear friend of A Rocha,

Here in Florida, the heat is beginning to rise and the air is growing thick with humidity. In Southern California, the rains of winter are filling reservoirs and storing up for the coming dry months, and in Texas, the wildflowers are in full bloom and Golden-cheeked warblers are returning from their winter homes. All are preparing for a change of seasons.

As the Marine Conservation Internship with A Rocha USA begins to draw to its end, the other interns and I are wrapping up our contributions to the biodiversity and microplastics studies in Florida so that we may pass the torch to the next crew of young scientists. 

This internship program has been priceless for me. Not only have I gained skills in research and communications, but I have also had space to contemplate and reflect on how my faith integrates into this work, and have been able to meet some amazing leaders in this field.

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Southern California to contribute to and learn from the projects that A Rocha has there. Seeing a glimpse of the work on both coasts reminds me of the similarities and differences among the locations here in the US. One thing is sure—each location is working locally, starting small, and allowing the Creator to lead their activities. You can read more about how God is using small things to do great work through A Rocha locations around the world in the "God uses small things" blog and video, and you can read more about me and the other interns in the "Meet the Interns" blog.

I feel incredibly thankful for all who have supported A Rocha USA and made this possible. We could not do this without you and we are so thankful for your involvement with A Rocha USA.

Read on below for more ways you can get involved and engage with A Rocha this spring. As we enter into the new life that Easter and the change of seasons bring, may you be filled with hope and joy. 

Michaela Stenerson
Marine Conservation Intern
A Rocha USA

Act Locally

Meet the interns: Marine Conservation Program

The Marine Conservation Internship Program based in Titusville, Florida, hosts interns in support of A Rocha USA’s marine conservation work through a nine-month residency, with opportunities to visit other A Rocha projects in the USA and Canada. Meet our current Marine Conservation Interns on our new blog post linked below. 

“It has been healing to be part of the A Rocha community,” says Allison Cutting. “Holding conversations and explorations of faith and environmental work together has helped me restore hope, shed anxieties, and regain the capacity to lean into the places I dwell and heed attention to my creaturely neighbors.”

Think Globally

New video: Am I too small to make a difference?

Throughout the Bible, God uses small things to accomplish big plans. We see this in the famous tale of David and Goliath. David selected five small pebbles, such a small and insignificant object alone. But David’s faith in God allowed him to accomplish what seemed impossible. Through God, David was able to defeat the giant and save Israel from the Philistines. 

Around the world, A Rocha communities use small things to make a big impact, whether providing resources for rural communities or studying endangered species. A Rocha’s new short film, “Am I too small to make a difference?” highlights the work of our worldwide community and demonstrates that taking even small actions can be powerful. We invite you and your church, school, or Bible study to watch the video and learn more in our discussion guide, and see how God uses your small actions for his kingdom. 

Get Involved: A Rocha opportunities

Coming soon: Wild Wonder Year 1 in Spanish!

Wild Wonder invites children to delight in God as creator, redeemer, and sustainer of all things by immersing them in the wonders of the created world.

We are excited to announce we'll be releasing Creación Maravillosa (Wild Wonder in Spanish) soon! We're currently looking for Spanish-speaking groups and churches who are interested in implementing the curriculum and giving us feedback. The best part is that they will receive the curriculum for free! Are you or a church you know eager to take part? Email veronica.godoy@arocha.org to learn more.

Join John Stott Memorial Birding Day on May 13th 

Teams worldwide will participate in the John Stott Memorial Birding Day. Organized by A Rocha, we will commemorate and celebrate our great friend and supporter John Stott’s legacy as a theologian, pastor, and birdwatcher. 

Get involved by:

1. Competing in the bird race
2. Using our resource to have a bird-themed spiritual retreat
3. Entering our photography competition
4. Sharing your stories and photos below in the comment section!

Mowing your lawn less leads to good things!

Join A Rocha and our partners in No Mow May by committing to mowing your lawn less (or not at all!) to benefit local habitats for the month of May. Mowing your lawn less creates habitat and food for pollinators, reduces carbon emissions, improves water conservation, and makes for a more drought-resistant lawn.

Let everyone know you're participating in No Mow May by downloading one of our signs to post in your yard. If you’re on social media, show us your sign and patch of habitat on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtags #NoMowMay and #ARochaUSA. 

We are hiring in Central Texas!

We are looking for a bilingual part-time Outdoor Environmental Educator to join the “Picnics en el Arroyo” team in Central Texas. “Picnics en el Arroyo” connects Hispanic/Latino families with nature by providing free access to natural spaces and environmental education programming in Spanish.