Jacob Parks
It doesn't matter what they call you, it's the deeds make the man.
None of us have any idea what's going on; might as well do stuff to pass the time and make life better. If you don't occasionally feel like an imposter, you're not trying hard enough.
Nature Preserve
Beginning in early 2025, I started working toward the purchase of 163 acres of former farmland in rural Texas for the development of a nature preserve. Already filled with native wildflowers and various wildlife, the immediate goals are restoring the 16-acre playa lake, eradicating invasive plant species, and installing wildlife guzzlers to support year-round access to water for the animals who call the preserve and surrounding areas home. This multi-year effort is being pursued in collaboration with federal, state, and nonprofit conservation programs - with special focus on pollinators and the lesser prairie-chicken, whose population has declined by 85% since the 1800s.However small the impact might be globally, my hope is to make a positive contribution to an ecosystem that is otherwise being ravaged by human greed and indifference.
Community Work
Lead organizer of 4,000+ member social group of Vegetarians and Vegans in the DC / Maryland / Virginia region. With the support of a 14-member leadership team, coordinate activities focused on social gatherings, animal rights education and national activism.
Photograph residents at a no-kill animal shelter for their online adoption profiles and socialize surrendered shelter bunnies to ease the stressful transition.
Teach computer science courses at a local community college supporting both recent high-school graduates and older adults on their own journey of self-improvement through academics.
Founding member of a six-person committee examining the availability of community resources to address food scarcity, homelessness, mental health, and youth development and working with local churches, schools and non-profits to bridge the gap between those in need and free support resources.
Supported a non-profit ranch providing accessible horseback riding to inner-city and socioeconomically disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience the joys and responsibilities of horsemanship.
Hobbies
Photography
Despite a bad habit of abandoning new hobbies, photography has remained a long-term passion and creative outlet. Primarily focused on nature and animals, it often complements my other hobbies - like hiking. More recently, I’ve begun exploring film photography and enjoying its tactile, analog process.
Classic Cars
Despite growing up with a mechanic as father, it wasn't until later in life that I developed a love for classic cars. I own a 1955 Ford Customline and a 1969 Corvette, and I handle most repairs myself as the intimate knowledge of a thing is how it really becomes your own.
Cooking & Nutrition
A relatively new interest, I enjoy experimenting with different flavors and exploring cultural staples to build new takes on traditional meals while strategically planning how to meet nutritional goals in efficent and flavorful ways.
Contact
Feel free to reach out with questions, opportunities, or just to say hello. I’m always happy to connect and will do my best to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you
Your message has been received, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I appreciate you taking the time to get in touch and look forward to connecting.