Meet Natalie Lynn Lichtenbert | Conservationist, Biologist and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Lynn Lichtenbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie Lynn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Green Dolphin Project Global in 2022 after several years of volunteering for various organizations over the years. By 2020 and with the onslaught of online meetings, I was participating in seven environmental organizations at a time, leading a few of these! On any given day, I could be jumping to three different calls…and this is all outside of my normal full-time day job. Needless to say, after a couple of years at this level of free work, I was getting burnt out, especially with my determination to make each organization I was participating in a success. This often meant that I had to perform much of the tasks that as a group we set out to accomplish. In breaking free from several of these groups, I am now focused on running my own environmental organization where it’s success or lack thereof will be directly impacted by the level that I put in, rather than relying on others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Science was embedded into me at a very young age, starting with my dad’s laboratory in our home basement where he raised saltwater clown fish. Performing numerous studies and monitoring water conditions was crucial to successfully raising baby fish from egg to fry. Jump forward to my university studies where I officially became a lab scientist, specializing in conservation leadership. It was easy to follow my heart and follow my dreams in that I was already so focused on my environmental concerns and learning as much as I could that obtaining a Master’s Degree in this field specifically was downright FUN!

My day job focuses on protein manufacturing and is not directly related to my non-profit. I’m very fortunate to have a day job that is interesting while providing me the time, space and resources that I need in order to dive deep into my passions.

The biggest lesson that repeats itself time and time again is that just in following my heart and stay true to what I find is important, the next steps naturally come, taking me to the next level. I don’t have to force them and usually not even look for them. It has been such a natural, enjoyable and exciting process. When they say enjoy the journey, no words ring truer!

There are so many people, young and old, that want to get more involved in conservation. It doesn’t start by obtaining a certain degree or job but rather just by doing it. Walk your talk. And in this way one becomes a powerful force.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m obviously all about nature and wildlife, so hey, let’s travel! There are so many cool places to go but first, let’s head to the ocean! I’d love to get your feet wet in the water, walking along the beach just as the sun rises. Hear the sounds, smell the salt, feel the sand between your toes, it’s exhilarating to have so many wonderful sensations hitting your at once. Next, let’s get in the water, be it snorkeling or diving! For example, Mexico, from the Baja Peninsula to Isla Mujeres, there is just so much to see in the ocean, whether its the tiniest of nudibranchs to the largest fish, the whale shark! It has been experiencing all of this that has made me so aware of how connected we are to our oceans no matter what our location is. I’ve never been much of a resort girl so I will take to you where the locals live. Let’s stay at an Airbnb and eat at the local non-touristy restaurants. Honestly, I love going to the local grocer and actually “living” where I’m visiting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Over the years, there have been so many people instrumental in where I am as a conservationist today. My dad for one, instilled in me the value of protecting our planet and identifying with its beauty. There have also been so many other friends that I have come across in the past ten years that have offered me guidance, connected me with special people and who have helped me to get involved directly where I needed and wanted to be. Sometimes a little push from others is what you need to feel motivated and inspired. Having people in your circle that believe in you goes a very, very long way. And these relationships do not always come easy…they develop and arise after YEARS of traveling in one goal direction.

Website: www.greendolphinproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greendolphinproject/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielynnlichtenbert/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalielynn/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GreenDolphinProject

Image Credits
First main image sent was Jim Abernethy with Wildlife Voice but that is watermarked.