Written by Noelle van der Straaten, Volunteer Writer
Photographs by Beth Glosten
Beth Glosten, MD, retired from medical practice, runs her own business, RiderPilates, LLC where she teaches mindful pilates-based movement classes, and horseback riding lessons focusing on rider biomechanics. Beth is a Seattle area native, but has lived in several different areas of the U.S. However, the beauty and opportunities of the Pacific Northwest eventually drew her back and she has lived in Redmond, with her horses and cats, since 1992. She enjoys hiking and beach walking, as well as growing vegetables, playing in the kitchen, and cooking for friends.
We interviewed Dr. Glosten about what inspires her to give back to nature:
Tell us about your favorite memory or experience in nature?
I’ve had many! I feel very fortunate to be able to choose among my experiences in nature. I travelled to southeast Alaska and took a trip on a float plane to a river delta when the salmon were running. We watched bears that were so engrossed catching them for food. I was part of a group, with a guide, hunkered down near a river and watching the bears catching and eating salmon. It was a thrilling experience.
Why is nature important to you?
I see nature as a way for us to find balance and as we mostly live in populated areas, I believe it helps balance out our lives. The sounds in nature are different and being in nature helps me appreciate the different systems in the world. It is very humbling being out in nature.
Why do you choose to give to The Nature Conservancy?
I believe in the Conservancy’s mission and the method of your mission. The Conservancy’s way of supporting a threatened ecosystem that is based on science and finding options for both economies and nature to thrive together, is a good method.
I was involved in a Conservancy project– “Farming for Wildlife” – that I very much enjoyed. This program is a great example of how TNC brings all parties to the table and has farmers thrive alongside migrating shorebirds. Watching the plans of this project evolve solidified my support of TNC and their work.
