Today we’d like to introduce you to Christin Bratton.
Christin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I was captivated by landscapes across the world. I would cut out gorgeous scenic images of those landscapes from National Geographic Magazines and paste them on my green wall. The most notable image I cut out when I was seven, was a gorgeous image of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. I said to myself, “I want to stand on that cliff and look over the edge.” Fast forward 19 years, and I took a solo trip for 7 days to explore the island.
I knew by seventh grade that I wanted to dedicate my life to environmental science and conservation. I didn’t know what that would look like yet—I just knew I wanted to help protect this planet and encourage people to care about it the way I did.
Fast forward a few degrees and simultaneous internships later, and I now work in environmental compliance with the federal government. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s important. I get my hands muddy and feel deeply about the impacts corporations have on our beautiful planet. I help make sure development projects are done in ways that respect environmental laws—basically keeping people accountable to the Earth, even when no one’s watching.
But.
I wanted to do even more outside the office.
That’s where Terra On The Bench was born—my personal blog and digital storytelling platform where science meets creativity. I started it as a hobby and an outlet: a space where I could combine my background in environmental science with my passions for photography, writing, and visual art. My goal? To show the world just how beautiful this Earth is—and why it’s worth protecting, while also sharing other people’s insight into the planet.
The blog is named after Earth—Terra—but it’s also a play on being “on the bench,” observing, reflecting, and documenting the world around us as we connect together – on a park bench. Whether I’m capturing an old-growth forest with my lens or breaking down environmental policy in plain English, I want my readers to feel inspired, informed, and maybe even a little moved. There’s power in visual storytelling. People protect what they love, and they love what they understand—so I make it my mission to translate the science and the beauty of nature into something real for everyday folks.
As a Black woman in this field, I’ve also come to realize how vital it is to be visible. We are underrepresented in both environmental science and creative outdoor spaces, and that visibility matters. With DEI programs and environmental justice initiatives being removed or deprioritized from so many corporations now, I feel this is the most important time to collaborate and share the importance of the most natural, unrelenting, and marvelous planet and mankind. Mankind.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has this journey been easy? Not entirely as I suspect no journey is—but I can’t confidently say it was that tough.
Growing up, I didn’t have the “traditional” family structure people often imagine after I turned 6. My 3 other siblings and I were raised in different households due to adoption, and for a long time, that fractured sense of family weighed on me. I didn’t get to experience the full sibling chaos, the shared rooms, or that classic “two-parent” household dynamic. For a while, I thought something was missing—that maybe I was alone.
But I learned very early that one loving parent, showing up with everything they have, can be more impactful than any picture-perfect family structure.
My grandmother, Yvonne, adopted me and became not just my mother figure, but my biggest advocate, nurturer, and protector. She is the living image of what motherhood is supposed to be—strong, compassionate, endlessly giving, and deeply wise. She didn’t just raise me. She poured into me. She made sure I had books, science kits, exposure to nature, access to education, and the emotional warmth every child deserves. She pushed herself beyond limits to fill every gap—and honestly, I never felt like I lacked anything under her care.
Because of her, I walk through life with confidence. Because of her, I knew I could be a scientist, a writer, an artist, and still be grounded in love. So, no—I can’t say this journey has been difficult in the ways people expect. The challenges were real, but so was the support. And that made all the difference.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Of Course! I wear quite a few hats—sometimes all at once—but at the heart of everything I do is this deep, intense love for the planet and a desire to help others see it the way I do.
Professionally, I work in environmental compliance at the federal level. My role involves ensuring that companies and applicants across the country follow environmental laws, historic preservation regulations, and executive orders before they break ground on a project. That means everything from wetlands and wildlife protection to tribal consultation and environmental justice. It’s meticulous, high-stakes work—and I take it seriously because it helps hold our systems accountable to the Earth and to the communities impacted by development.
Outside of that, I pour my creativity and curiosity into TerraOnTheBench.com—a personal blog and digital space I created to explore environmental stories that don’t always make the headlines. I use that space to blend science, art, and storytelling—challenging popular narratives, unpacking complex topics, and bringing beauty and truth to the surface. I don’t follow trends, and I don’t take information at face value. My work is grounded in research, inquiry, and a healthy dose of skepticism. If I write about something, it’s because I’ve dug deep, asked uncomfortable questions, and found something worth sharing.
That critical lens shows up in my photography as well. I capture everything from natural landscapes to conservation-inspired self-portraits—images that speak to our connection to the land, the urgency of protection, and the quiet beauty often overlooked. I create visual stories that aim to educate, move, and invite reflection. My online art shop includes my original photography and digital art for sale as digital downloads or printed on products (canvases, blankets, mugs, laptop sleeves, and more).
I’m also proud to volunteer with wildlife rehabilitation organizations, STEM programs for kids, and community nonprofits whenever I can. “Whether I’m reviewing for environmental compliance or taking photos for the blog, it’s a reminder that this work isn’t just global—it’s deeply local, too.
What sets me apart is how I bring all these elements together: science, art, policy, and lived experience. I don’t fit into one lane, and I don’t try to. I post my work on LinkedIn, Instagram, TerraOnTheBench.com Blog, and wherever conversations about environmental truth are being had.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to help people see, feel, and understand the world around them—because once they do, they’re more likely to protect it.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely what you’d call a “floater.” I never really fit into one specific clique at school—but that’s exactly how I liked it. I could vibe with the athletes, the musicians, the bookworms, the quiet kids, and the loud ones too. I learned early on how to move between different spaces without losing myself. And while I was very social, I also deeply valued my alone time. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely—and I always knew how to enjoy my own company.
I was one of those kids who was always in something. After school, I was playing volleyball, chasing soccer balls, prepping arguments for debate club, or tuning my violin for orchestra practice.
Weekends were a beautiful mix of crafting, watching my favorite shows (after homework, of course), and attending preparatory classes on Saturdays. I liked staying busy—but intentionally. Every activity, every space I stepped into, fed a part of who I was becoming.
And while most kids were scattered across lunch tables, I sometimes hung out in the classroom with a couple other students and teachers during lunch or after school—just to talk, decompress, or be in good company. I’ve always gravitated toward meaningful conversations, regardless of age or title. Looking back, that’s probably why I’ve grown into someone who values mentorship and connection so deeply.
I never followed trends just to fit in. If something didn’t feel right or didn’t make sense, I’d question it. That curiosity—paired with a quiet confidence—helped shape my path early on. I wasn’t afraid to be different, and I wasn’t afraid to stand alone.
Pricing:
- $30-50 for art prints (metal canvas, laptop sleeves, products)
- $10-30 (Blankets & Mugs)
- $5-10 (Digital Downloads)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://terraonthebench.com/blog-1/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terradescence/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christin-bratton-452b0a169/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Terradescence
- Other: https://terraonthebench.com/store_csa/
Image Credits
All photos are of Me, Christin Bratton. Credit; Christin Bratton
