Where are they now: Roger Osorio

Roger Osorio (right) while working for SAWS in 2013.

Roger Osorio did not always see conservation as the career pathway he would pursue. Growing up in the Bronx, New York, wild places may have seemed far away. This changed when he joined Groundwork Hudson Valley in 2008, an organization focused on transforming urban neighborhoods through partnerships that inspire young leaders and support local economic development. His work there centered around historic restoration, trail maintenance, and community engagement through interpretative and education programs.

In 2012 SAWS partnered with Groundwork Hudson Valley and Roger got the chance to engage in trail maintenance and conservation. He loved the experience so much that he joined the SAWS seasonal staff the next year as an Assistant Crew Leader. “SAWS would give me my first step into a leadership role in the outdoor, recreation, and conservation field,” said Osorio. “The work inspired me to see all public land as special and protected for future generations,” he added.

It wasn’t just the work that made Roger’s time at SAWS special. He was able to find community with his crew. “My best memory was every dinner after work in the backcountry. We would always have dinner together,” he said. “Laughing and joking about the workday or talking about what we were going to do tomorrow built a great comradery.” This connection among coworkers helped them get through the difficulties of living in the wilderness while on hitch.

Roger at a First Aid recertification during WSI 2017.

After his time at SAWS, Roger attended University at Albany – SUNY, where he received his bachelor’s in history. Roger then pursued a career that combined his love of conservation with his interest in history and education. He worked for Salem Maritime & Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, interned through the Greening Youth Foundation at Grand Teton National Park, held a position as a mason worker at San Juan National Historic Site, served as a Park Guide at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and worked at Chiricahua National Monument. In 2021, Roger joined the staff at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. He started as a Park Ranger but quickly transitioned into the role of Education and Outreach Coordinator where he leads the creation of education and interpretation programs and builds relationships with local school and community groups.

Osorio in his current position at Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument

Osorio said, “It is safe to say that without SAWS, I would not have pursued a career in conservation. I often share how the difficulty I experienced in the wilderness allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined.” He continues to be an advocate for SAWS over a decade later. “Every year I encourage anyone who is interested in this field to at least go to the Wilderness Skills Institute. The values SAWS teaches highlight what true stewardship is and what it can become when we all come together. SAWS will always be a part of my career in conservation and the reason I will forever be a steward of our public lands.”