Littering can add up.
That’s a lesson Anthony Chaplin learned while serving in the Navy.
“I’ve been in the Navy; I’ve traveled all over the world,” he said. “... This beautiful place Majuro in the Marshall Islands, their largest elevation change is their dump where they put their trash.”
The practice on Majuro, which he described as a roughly 50-yard-wide horseshoe-shaped island, “really sparked the interest and seeing what we can do to change it,” Chaplin said.
That experience led Chaplin to pursue his degree in environmental science with a focus on natural resource conservation. Growing up in a small southern Illinois town, Chaplin’s family was resourceful, letting little go to waste, “whether it's meat or fuel for warmth,” Chaplin said.
They were also involved in hunting, hiking and exploring.
“The outdoors teaches patience, resilience and respect for the land,” he said. “That connection has stayed with me and continues to influence both my personal life and career goals.”
He gained an appreciation for nature and the outdoors from his grandfather, who owned land.
After high school, Chaplin wanted a break from school and living in the small town.
He wanted to explore, so he felt his best option was to join the military.
Now, he manages a busy schedule. Chaplin works full time as a Navy recruiter in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex on weekdays, and he works part time at Greenbelt State Park on weekends, all while still pursuing his bachelor’s degree.
“I always wonder how he’s got the bandwidth to work seven days a week, but so far, he has shown no sign of stopping,” said Robbie Merritt, Ray Roberts Lake State Park superintendent. “He has been a great edition.”
Chaplin’s disciplined nature is paying off, a work ethic he developed as a kid.
“I had my first job when I was in sixth grade as a paperboy, made five cents a paper, $50 a month,” Chaplin said. “I was rich.”
Chaplin laughed. “Then in high school, I held three jobs while doing sports, so I was ready to start building life,” he said. “I guess I just did it backwards.”
Next year, he will retire from the Navy with 20 years of service, at age 38.
It will allow him the freedom and the flexibility later to follow his passion.
“I'll be young enough to go start over and not be stuck in this pipeline of a career,” Chaplin said. “I'll retire and start over new with new interests, with new capabilities, and keep working.”
As a student majoring in conservation, it can be a little aggravating for Chaplin at times when park visitors don’t pick up after themselves.
However, Chaplin is adamant about giving people grace and the benefit of the doubt.
“Not everybody has the same life skills; not everybody has the same point of view; not everybody has the same care to really [be mindful of the space around him],” Chaplin said.
That’s something he prides himself on.
“I try to take more responsibility and in my what would call 3-foot space, things I can control, and helping out more than just me, helping out the guy or gal coming up behind me,” he said.
His favorite part of working at the state park is tangible efforts.
“Seeing direct results from actions that we do with the work that we've done, like replumbing a bathroom or the habitat restoration back there with cutting out invasive trees to make room for a prairie—you can see the results of the work that you've done, and it's really enjoyable,” Chaplin said.
After he graduates, the roads are open as Chaplin considers his options while prioritizing his family.
“I plan to apply for Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden this December, for the next recruiting year that they have, but also for Indiana Department of Natural Resources and just to keep options open,” Chaplin said.
“ Not everybody has the same life skills; not everybody has the same point of view.”
