The Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute has an AmeriCorps program that currently serves communities all over the state of Idaho as well as the greater Portland region. Through partnerships with schools, community-based organizations and government agencies, PCEI addresses critical environmental and equity issues in the areas of healthy watersheds, energy and resource conservation, environmental education and outreach, as well as sustainable community development.
National and Community Service programs meet critical needs in areas such as education, public safety, health and the environment through partnerships with public agencies, non-profits, faith-based and other local organizations.
Meet Our Current Members!
Alexandra Koubek, Lead Restoration Technician, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute
While growing up in rural Illinois, Alexandra developed passions for nature and serving her community as a lifelong 4-H Member. She explored these passions at Northern Illinois University, from which she graduated with honors in May 2023, obtaining a B.S. in Environmental Studies with a specialization in Biodiversity and Restoration and minors in Biological Sciences and Anthropology. Through her education, Alexandra gained a particular interest in the relationship between humans and the natural world. In the future she would like to work on projects that foster the connection between traditional ecological knowledge and modern science to achieve more meaningful and effective environmental management and restoration. She is excited to be serving a second term with PCEI AmeriCorps. In her previous term she served as a Restoration Technician and is now serving as Restoration Lead & Volunteer Coordinator. Alexandra enjoys hands-on restoration projects and aims to work with the local community to foster a more connected relationship between people and the environment.
Sydnee Reyes, Environmental Education Instructor, Foothills Learning Center
Sydnee Reyes (she/her) is a passionate environmental advocate currently serving as a PCEI AmeriCorps member with the Foothills Learning Center. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, emphasizing biology, and an Associate degree in Journalism, Mass Media, and Law from the University of Idaho. Born and raised in the small town of Weiser, Idaho, Sydnee is passionate about environmental justice and inspiring others to take action in their communities.
She has served in Alaska, working with Indigenous youth to elevate their voices and perspectives on environmental issues. Additionally, Sydnee has a background in teaching dance, bringing creativity and leadership to her work. In her free time, she enjoys journaling, reading, playing guitar, and spending time with her niece and nephew. Sydnee is committed to fostering a love for the environment and encouraging others to join her in pursuing a sustainable future.
Lia Stevenson, Outdoor Science Leader, Moscow Adventure Club
Spending most of her childhood in Portland Oregon, Lia grew up being outside a lot. Whether it was hiking, driving to the Oregon coast, or gardening she loved exploring her surroundings and creating things from her various travels. If she wasn’t weaving a little basket out of tall leaves, or making acorn jewelry, she probably was making music with her dad. Her love for creating new things and music grew throughout her childhood, and she soon became interested in the world of modular synthesis. Fascinated by the intricate sounds and textures that can be created through this form of music, she decided to go to college to study Electrical Engineering and pursue starting up her very own synthesizer company.
She is looking forward to working with the PCEI as an outdoor science lead for the Moscow School District Adventure club working with young kids and learning more about the world!
Visit the Confluence Environmental Center page to view members in Portland, OR.