Corps Story: New Nevada Conservation Corps Program Empowers Women in Conservation

When she started as Director of Operations at Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC), Aurora Pinkey-Drobnis had a goal: launch a program to empower young women in conservation.

In June 2020, this goal became reality with the creation of the Interdisciplinary Women’s Resource Conservation Crew (IWoRCC): a single identity-based program designed to provide women a supportive learning environment in the male-dominated field of resource management.

“For me, the biggest thing was that I didn’t have an opportunity like this when I was getting into conservation,” said Pinkey-Drobnis. “I’ve worked with the National Park Service, as well as for the U.S. Forest Service, on trail crews and wilderness crews. These are primarily male-dominated fields. Every time I was able to be on a crew with another woman – even one other woman – it really felt like I wasn’t alone. I felt a little bit more comfortable to ask questions and try things I thought might be harder for me. The space felt safer.”

Across the Corps community, single identity-based crews are an increasingly popular model to support Corpsmembers who face specific barriers or identify with communities that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented in the outdoors. For example, Corps have successfully operated single identity-based conservation crews for women, Native American youth, LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, veterans, Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people, and other groups. IWoRCC is the first single identity-based program offered at NCC, a program of the Great Basin Institute.

Made possible with support from the National Park Foundation and AmeriCorps, the 2020 IWoRCC program operated at Great Basin National Park. From June through August, the four IWoRCC members engaged in a breadth of park management projects, including habitat restoration, fire mitigation, invasive species removal, hydrology research, and wildlife management. They also participated in trainings across disciplines, receiving S-212 equivalency chainsaw training and Wilderness First Aid certification.

“I think we’re moving towards a better ratio of women to men in the conservation field overall, but there can still be really toxic environments…That excludes women from wanting to participate in the first place, but can also discourage women who do participate from wanting to continue,” said Pinkey-Drobnis. “Giving people the confidence and skills they need so they can go into these positions knowing that they’re capable – that might help them continue.”

According to Pinkey-Drobnis, a major factor in the program’s success was the support of staff at Great Basin National Park. In particular, National Park Service employees Margaret Horner and Julie Long provided mentorship to the crew and underlined for NCC the importance of engaging supervisors with whom Corpsmembers can relate.

Great Basin National Park has a relatively small staff despite having high seasonal visitation and a large area to manage. The IWoRCC members were a welcome addition. While managing COVID-19 safety protocols, the crew repaired over 1.7 miles of fencing, helped expand the defensible space around four park structures, maintained over 2.5 miles of trail, removed over 100 pounds of trash from backcountry campsites, and created educational materials.

As Pinkey-Drobnis indicated, the benefits of engaging the IWoRCC members extend beyond help with projects.

“I think we offer exposure to different models of work crews and conservation crews, but also different models of culture,” she said. “We intentionally worked on building a culture where there’s a lot of positive reinforcement and focus on personal development and relationships. We demonstrate that this is a model for getting things done and it can work for you, too.”

Due to COVID-19, some projects were delayed, leaving NCC with leftover funding to continue the IWoRCC program in 2021. A new crew is currently serving out of the Great Basin Institute Las Vegas office, primarily completing projects at Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. NCC hopes to keep the program going in the future and also begin offering single identity-based crews for other groups. In the fall, NCC will launch a bilingual Latinx crew in Southern Nevada.

“Working with the all-women’s crews has been super inspiring and has pushed me to think outside the box and figure out how I can continue to work on making our Conservation Corps a more inclusive space for everyone,” said Pinkey-Drobnis. “Every time that I’m out with them they continue to push me – ‘Hey, how can we include more people in these kind of programs?’ That’s been an unexpected and really exciting piece about this work: the single identity-based women’s crews have been advocates for other underrepresented groups and folks who maybe have other barriers to participation.”

 

 

Corpsmember Voices:
Reflections from IWoRCC Members

 

Liz S.

“Going into this program, I had no hands-on experience and had never participated in a program like this. Identity-based crews are super important; I am so happy I’ve had the chance to participate in one. This crew has given me the chance to feel comfortable in a new environment. Since everyone has been so welcoming, I’m not afraid to ask questions or ask how to do something.”

 

Carrie D.

“It was easy to be vulnerable, easy to break down, easy to face the thought that maybe this was it – my limit, the end of a rope I could not fathom any further length upon. Every time I gave myself a chance to give up, to feel that horrible fear that maybe this wasn’t something I could do ­– my crew was there. In the face of one’s weakness we all took the opportunity to show strength and patience to the others. There was always more rope. It wasn’t always mine. 

At the end of the day we all acknowledged our privilege. A women’s crew is a special thing: in the face of thousands of years of history, four girls living and working in their own camp, doing the same work as everyone else, led by other women, trained by other women, coordinating with other women…it was a treasure. I am thankful for the opportunities I have been given, for how much I got to learn, and I am going to continue to educate and advocate for the health of the desert. I hope others are given the opportunities I have – that they learn, grow, and evolve with it.”

 

 

Stacey G.

“For so long, so many types of people have been purposefully excluded from programs, institutions, careers etc.…With these identity-based programs more people from all types of backgrounds are being reached and offered an environment where they can grow, be heard, and feel confident…It’s hard to be what you can’t see, but in these types of programs you can see a spectrum of individuals who now have the opportunity to be in spaces and careers that were hard to break into in the past… I would advise other women considering this program to just do it! And to pack layers and bring lots of snacks.”

 

Daniela Soto

“My degree was in a natural resource field, so I had some experience in this type of work. I learned about this program after I had already been hired and placed on a different, mixed crew. I was inspired to join because I had anxiety about not being able to keep up with the rest of the crew. The physical work has been challenging. However, the most rewarding aspect has been meeting and connecting with the other women in my crew. They are exceptional individuals that truly make the work a pleasant experience…To other women considering a term in a Conservation Corps, I would say to do it, even if there isn’t a single identity crew in your area. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of being a weak link because, at the end of the day, everyone is simply trying their best.”

 

Tessa F.

“This job can be hard, but it’s also very rewarding! The challenges have forced me to grow and become even more independent and mentally strong, not to mention physically strong as well… We have done a great job at creating a supportive environment where we can ask, listen, and learn from each other. I don’t feel the same pressure on this crew that I would normally feel working on a mixed crew to already know everything or to have to get something perfect on the first try to prove that I can handle the same challenges even though I’m a woman. Ultimately, this program is a development program and I joined because I wanted to learn, not because I wanted to show off things I could already do, and this crew feels like a welcoming space to develop new skills…[It] helps groups of people who haven’t always had the chance to do this work get out and not only get experience, but to have a positive experience doing it…Feeling like you have to prove yourself constantly because of your identity is never a good feeling, and single-identity crews are a place where you never have to worry about that.”

 

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Standing Up to Hate, Supporting the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

The Corps Network strongly condemns acts of violence and hate directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We are deeply disheartened and angered by these incidents. Unfortunately, as we know too well, the most recent events in the news are not an aberration: our AAPI friends, colleagues and neighbors have faced discrimination for generations. This intolerance, sadly, is also not an anomaly: we must acknowledge that the racism faced by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is rooted in the long history and institution of racism and white supremacy in our country. We stand with the AAPI community in confronting this hate.

As said by the activist Yuri Kochiyama, “Unless we know ourselves and our history, and other people and their history, there is really no way that we can really have positive kind of interaction where there is real understanding.”

As a national organization that seeks to support and convene a diversity of communities across the country, The Corps Network recognizes the responsibility we have to not only recognize the history and effects of racism in our country, but to do the work of examining ourselves and dismantling any systems or knowledge deficits that create barriers to equity. We commit to continuing this work through our Moving Forward Initiative. We call on the Corps community to join us in seeking to break down silos, celebrate diversity, and work together – across our differences – to build coalitions against hate in all its forms.

 

At this time, we join the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) in sharing these resources:

We also suggest the Ronald Takaki book A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America (2008). Winner of an American Book Award, A Different Mirror “turns the Anglocentric historical viewpoint inside out and examines the ultimate question of what it means to be an American.”

 

 

 

 

Corps Story: Distinguished Womxn of Linville

By Sydni Dobson
For Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the Distinguished Womxn of Linville trail crew – the first identity-based program at Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC). We interviewed Andy Sommerville, Field Program Coordinator of CCNC, and Distinguished Womxen of Linville AmeriCorps members Emily Kerscher and Madeline Coggins.
This program was made possible with support from the National Park Foundation, AmeriCorps and the National Park Service. Between June and October of 2020, the Distinguished Womxn of Linville AmeriCorps members engaged in an ambitious trail rehabilitation project at Linville Falls, one of the most popular destinations along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Learn more about this project.*

When and why was this crew formed?

Andy: This crew officially started on June 29, 2020. It was an effort of CCNC and Conservation Legacy; Jan Pender, Conservation Corps Program Manager, was a big driver in getting this crew together. Our partners were excited and ready to have single binary identity crews. We saw that as something we want to further upon and instill into conservation service work.

 

Where are the majority of the Corpsmembers from and how did they learn about this program?

Andy: We have a couple from North Carolina, one from Southern California, one from Alabama, and the rest are from the Northeast region.

A couple of Corpsmembers came from conservation and natural resource backgrounds and were looking for opportunities to further their experience in an immersive crew. An immersive crew is “hitch-based,” meaning they camp out and stay the night where they’re working. For the Crew Leaders, we had a couple return from serving on a conservation crew in 2019.

 

What type of projects does the crew focus on?

Andy: This crew solely focuses on trail work. For our partner at the National Park Service, a lot of issues they’re experiencing are rooted in soil erosion. Erosion from trails is detrimental to the health of the watershed in riparian areas, creeks, streams, etc. It’s very important to make sure trail work is done properly so water flows in the correct way off the trail and not taking a bunch of soil off and dumping it into our watershed. You would think that trail work is just carving a trail, but it’s actually about erosion control. Our crew is trying to make something last as long as possible, and not worry about it washing away and creating some real issues downstream.

 

Describe an average day of service.

Andy: The crew gets up around 6:00 a.m. to make breakfast together. They’ll get tasked by the Crew Leaders to gather water and tools, and then lock up the trailer to make sure tents are closed. By 7:00 a.m., they drive to the Linville Falls Visitor Center and begin stretching and form a safety circle. The safety circle warns the crew about the potential dangers that day. By 7:30 a.m., they head up on the trail with tools in hand and start lining out their work. As a team of six, the group splits up into groups of two or three. Bouncing around to different tasks throughout the day, the crew works until about 3:30 p.m and then heads back to the camping site. When the girls arrive back, they clean and sharpen their tools, then get ready to prepare dinner together. After a long day of work, the crew is usually in the bed by 8:30 p.m.

 

Can you talk about your most memorable moment serving with the Distinguished Womxn of Linville?

Madeline: One of my favorite memories from our time in Linville was an interaction our crew had with a family from the campground. It was day nine of the hitch and we were all feeling quite drained from the week. We had brought our tools back to the campground to sharpen. When we were almost finished, we heard a young girl exclaiming, “Those are the trail girls!” I turned around to see a small girl running through the campground trying to get her parents and sister to notice “the trail girls!,” she was so excited. We waved at the family, and the parents came over to say hello. We talked with her parents and told them about our work and how their daughters could get involved in conservation and the national parks. It was rejuvenating seeing someone so enthralled with our crew and the work we were doing. I also felt empowered knowing we were setting an example and inspiring the next generation of women and trailblazers.

 

What do you think the crew has learned during their time in the program?

Andy: Conservation work is hard, gritty, and dirty. What a lot of our Corpsmembers get out of it is the bonding experience between one another, with other members, and with visitors. It’s awesome to get feedback from little girls and whoever else is using the trail. It is so cool to hear from people, “Thank you so much for the work you’re doing.”

Little girls look up to our crew and see them as heroes on the trail. A takeaway from this experience is that working as a crew towards a common goal, while trusting one another and being comfortable around each other, is important to the actual achievement of that goal. The crew has achieved a tremendous amount of work. Sometimes that is impossible if you’re not working with people that you care about and want to work with and want to help out in getting that goal accomplished together.

 

In comparison to your other service terms with different Corps organization, how was it different working with an all Womxn’s crew? Or was there any difference at all?

Emily: Every crew family is unique, and the two groups of womxn who made up our summer and fall crews created two distinct family experiences. I think the idea of it being an all-womxn’s crew provides a beautiful commonality at the foundation, yet leaves space for the individual members to shape around that whatever crew culture feels right.

 

Why do you feel that single identity crews like this are important for conservation?

Andy: Representation matters. There are so many people getting out on the trail these days. We want to create an avenue and showcase that anyone is capable of doing this type of work. Manual labor doesn’t have any type of barriers on gender or preference. It’s not about your personal preference, it’s about your presumption and drive. I think it’s important for anyone to be part of something they care about. If someone cares about it, they should have access to be able to experience it.

 

Now that the service term has ended, what are the Corps’members currently doing?

Andy: Two of them are on our Fire Crew, handling prescribed fire. One is a Trails Ambassador in upstate New York, and a few went to graduate school. A majority of the Corpsmembers are focusing on conservation and environmental service. All of them expressed that this program made them excited to explore more in conservation.

 

Have you noticed any change about yourself after serving with the Womxn of Linville crew? If so, in what ways?

Emily: My biggest takeaway is probably gratitude for the chance to meet, learn from, be vulnerable and grow alongside, and build lasting friendships with strong, smart, caring womxn, as well as pride in all we accomplished together.

Madeline: I noticed several changes in myself after serving on the womxn’s crew. I felt both physically and mentally stronger. I felt less reserved and more comfortable doing physical labor in the conservation field. I am no longer afraid to ask questions or for clarification if I am uncertain about aspects of a project. After my service term, I also found it easier to stand up for myself and others.

 

What are Conservation Corps North Carolina’s goals for the future?

Andy: For Summer 2021, we’ll at least have one more crew that will be an affinity crew that will work for the National Park Service and National Forest Service on the Blue Ridge Parkway. That crew will be 8 Corpsmembers, so we’ll be expanding the size. We’re also looking to expand our service with the National Park Service to further our single-identity crew past our capacity last year. We definitely want to develop more programs aimed at inclusion. DEI is a driving force in our program and Conservation Legacy and we’re always examining the capacity and where we can support in underserved areas.

 

What advice would you give to others considering a program like this?

Andy: My advice is don’t be scared to get your hands dirty and get out in the woods, rivers or mountains. It’s great to experience life and the natural world around where you can feel safe and have common interest in the people who surround you. You join this program with full ambition in knowing there are a lot of people like you getting into this [conservation] world as well.

 

*Distinguished Womxn of Linville is a 2021 Project of the Year Nominee.

Corps Recognize MLK Day of Service, 2021

The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is an official “National Day of Service” to honor the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. Every year, Service and Conservation Corps across the country host volunteer projects, educational activities, and other observances to make MLK Day a “day on; not a day off.” Scroll below to learn how several Corps practiced COVID-19 safety precautions and recognized MLK Day with both virtual and in-person activities. Learn more about the MLK Day of Service at MLKDay.gov.

 

American YouthWorks – Texas Conservation Corps

Based in Austin, TX

 

American YouthWorks engaged AmeriCorps members virtually for a reflection on Dr. King’s legacy. Each crew selected content to read, watch, or listen to, then came together to discuss the resource, how it related to Dr. King’s teachings, and how their contributions through AmeriCorps are aligned with Dr. King’s philosophies.

 

 

Civic Works

Based in Baltimore, MD


Watch news coverage of Civic Works’ MLK Day 2021 activities on local stations WJZ (above) and WMAR (below).

 

Civic Works engaged more than 200 AmeriCorps members and partners in numerous in-person and virtual service projects. Additional photos can be found on Facebook. Activities included:

    • Conducting a cleanup at Laurel Cemetery, a historic African American burial ground.
    • Helping clean up a vacant lot that will be turned into useable green space.
    • Serving in the Corps’ YouthBuild Clothing Closet to organize donated clothes for AmeriCorps members.
    • Serving at the Corps’ Clifton Mansion headquarters to stain cabinets in the kitchenette and clean up old lighting fixtures to be sold to support the Corps’ mission.
    • Serving at the Corps’ Real Food Farm to help build a “hügelkultur” – a mound of plant material and other biodegradable content that can be used as a raised planting bed.
    • Serving virtually to make greeting cards for Real Food Farm CSA members and seniors who participated in the Corps’ Affordable Produce Delivery Program.
    • Partnering with Sharebaby to sort donations and engage volunteers virtually in making blankets.
    • Partnering with the Baltimore Community ToolBank to sort donated tools.
    • Partnering with the non-profit Second Chance to help sort donations of construction materials and furniture.
    • Partnering with the Maryland Book Bank to sort donations and engage volunteers virtually in making bookmarks.
    • Partnering with the Franciscan Center to sort and bag donated clothing.

In addition, Civic Works plans to host a series of conversations to discuss Dr. King’s messages and legacy.

 

 

Franklin’s Promise Coalition – Conservation Corps of Forgotten and Emerald Coasts

Based in Apalachicola, FL

Additional photos on Facebook

 

Franklin’s Promise Coalition organized two different activities involving AmeriCorps members through The Corps Network’s Opportunity Youth Service Initiative. In partnership with the Duke Energy Foundation and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection/NOAA’s Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, one crew helped complete a coastal cleanup. This included removing debris – such as old tires, marine debris, and trash – and preparing the site for planting “spartina alterniflora” – an important kind of marsh grass. This work is part of a larger living shoreline project that serves as a site for testing and developing best practices in living shoreline installations.

As part of the Corps’ ongoing COVID-19 response work, a second crew of AmeriCorps members helped the local food bank accept and prepare a load of food for distribution.

 

 

Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps

Based in Racine, WI

Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps shifted their MLK Day observances online. Activities included participation in two virtual events. The first was a panel discussion hosted by veterans at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. The focus of the conversation was Dr. King’s statement, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” The second was a virtual celebration, centered on the theme “Response, Resiliency, Restoration,” hosted by GLCCC’s partner Gateway Technical College.

In addition, GLCCC provided Corpsmembers with a reading and questions to help them learn about Dr. King and his legacy.

 

 

Green City Force

Based in Brooklyn, NY

 

In collaboration with partners, AmeriCorps members with Green City Force helped distribute food at five of their Eco-Hub service sites across Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

 

 

Limitless Vistas, Inc.

Based in New Orleans, LA

Limitless Vistas plans to prepare and distribute lunches for people experiencing homelessness in the Lower Garden and CBD neighborhoods of New Orleans. Each bagged lunch will include a note created by an AmeriCorps member or LVI employee. The goal is to help bring a meal and friendly encouragement to those in need in the community. [This activity will take place after the City of New Orleans has lifted current COVID-19 safety restrictions]

 

 

San Jose Conservation Corps

Based in San Jose, CA

AmeriCorps members and staff from San Jose Conservation Corps partnered with local non-profit Amigos de Guadalupe to support their Casitas de Esperanzas (Tiny Homes of Hope) initiative. The goal of this initiative is to provide more than 20 Pallet Shelters as transitional housing for families in need. On MLK Day, volunteers gathered to prepare the shelters by sweeping and raking the grounds and helping clean and set up the interiors of the homes.

Share Your Favorite Pics: FY20 Annual Report Cover Photo Contest

The year 2020 will be remembered for hardships and divisions, but we hope it will also be remembered for how communities came together.

We invite you to share some of your favorite pictures from 2020 to be considered for the cover of The Corps Network FY20 annual report. We are looking for powerful images that encapsulate the challenges, as well as the achievements and can-do spirit, of an unprecedented year. Please see below for specific criteria.

Even if your Corps’ photo doesn’t make the cover, please note that almost every photo submission we receive will be used elsewhere in the report or in other documents and resources produced by The Corps Network in the future. We sincerely appreciate all of the impactful content we’ve received in past cover photo contests.

The last day to submit photos is Friday, January 29. The report will be shared in March. Thank you for your consideration.

[Photo in banner: FY19 annual report cover photo, Southwest Conservation Corps]

Criteria/Suggestions + How to Submit Entries

  • Each Corps may submit up to 6 photos.
  • The deadline to participate in the contest is Friday, January 29, 2021.
  • Photos must be high resolution (300 dpi preferred).
  • Please provide a few details about the photo (where was it taken, who is in the picture, etc.).
  • Let us know if there is a specific person who should receive photo credit. Otherwise, we will credit your organization.
  • Preferred file formats are .jpg, .jpeg, .png.
  • Please no images that don’t include people. We want to see great photos of Corpsmembers at work.
  • Landscape-oriented pictures preferred, but portrait photos also accepted.
  • Please no photos that have an obvious filter applied.
  • Photos taken within the past year are preferred.
  • Remember – even if your picture is not chosen for the cover, we may use it on the inside of the document or in other resources from The Corps Network.
How to Submit Your Photos

Please email your entries to Hannah Traverse, htraverse@corpsnetwork.org. Don’t forget to include a few details about each photo and if a specific person should receive credit. If your photos are too large to send in one message, feel free to send in multiple emails or use a file sharing service like Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer. We can’t wait to see your entries.

Corps Story: Small Crew with Big Outcomes at Valley Forge

This story features a Corps using The Corps Network’s National Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service. Learn more about how this agreement provides Accredited Corps across the country the opportunity to partner with the National Park Service to engage young people in maintaining some of our country’s most treasured natural and cultural resources.  

With hard work and the right skills, a small crew can make a big difference.

From September through October, a four-person Roving Conservation Corps crew from Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) conducted maintenance on the Mount Joy and Mount Misery trail systems at Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania. A trail crew would normally be larger, but the small team promoted COVID-19 safety precautions and helped guard against project delays due to potential illness. The Corpsmembers lived together in an apartment near the park.

It had been some time since the trails received intensive maintenance, but certain projects could no longer wait. A large storm hit the park in June, bringing several inches of rain over a 24-hour period. The storm caused erosion and took down trees throughout the trail system.

 

Working on erosion control, trail stabilization.

 

In total, the AMC crew cleared 10 blowdowns and installed numerous erosion-control features. This included two retaining walls, 70 square-feet of log crib, 23 check steps, 140 feet of side ditches, and 170 feet of wood water bars. They also maintained 70 feet of trail irrigation drainage and grading, and hauled in two cubic yards of dirt to reshape 600 feet of tread.

A highlight of the crew’s season was constructing a 20-foot-long, 5-foot-wide bridge to cross over a historic, stone-paved drain. AMC surveyed the area and designed the bridge, which included railings and steps. The crew carried in the wood and other construction supplies, building the bridge in an area distant from any roads.

 

Crew photo with the bridge they constructed.

 

The AMC Corpsmembers came into the project with the skills and experience to complete the work independently, without rigorous oversight or training from park staff. This was important to the projects’ success, as staffing changes and promoting COVID-19 safety precautions limited the ability of park staff to interact with the crew as frequently as they might have otherwise.

The AMC crew was small, but their work made a noticeable difference. In the month of October alone, the crew constructed a trail staircase, installed five water bars and more than a dozen check steps, and completed 300 feet of trail construction and 200 feet of tread work.

 

 

There are plans to bring another AMC crew back to Valley Forge in 2021 to conduct additional maintenance. Work for next year could include installing retaining walls and check steps, trail maintenance, and construction of a steel beam bridge.

“In hindsight, this season has taught me more than any other season of trail building,” said Ellie Pelletier, Roving Conservation Corps Supervisor at AMC. “I learned to be patient with circumstances and with other people as you never know what they’re going through. I learned that in addition to having a Plan A, it might be good to have plans B through F on standby, just in case. I learned that people can persevere, even in times of extreme difficulty. And I learned that sometimes, when all else fails, people turn to the great outdoors to walk, run, hike or bike their stresses away.”

 

 

 

RAP Profile: Kristiana “Ana” Petrie

By Sydni Dobson

Meet Kristiana (Ana) Petrie, a Resource Assistants Program (RAP) intern through The Corps Network.

RAP is a USDA Forest Service program that provides a rigorous and immersive internship experience for those interested in career opportunities with land management agencies. Resource Assistants (RAs) are recruited by partner organizations – such as The Corps Network and our member Corps – and work under the supervision of Forest Service staff to accomplish mission-critical work. Ana currently serves in Region 9 at the Shawnee National Forest in Harrisburg, Illinois.

Prior to joining RAP in September 2020, Ana was studying Environmental Science and Biology at Colby College in Maine. Born in Japan, Ana moved to the U.S. in the second grade to live with her father. Splitting her summers between Japan and the U.S., Ana would spend the first half of the summer camping with her father, which fostered her interest for the outdoors and increased her love for plants, animals, and natural habitats.

Ana knew at an early age that being outdoors and working with the environment was something she wanted to be a part of. After receiving her degree in Environmental Science and Biology from Colby College, Ana began searching for jobs in conservation and applied for a RAP position with the Forest Service. After four months in the program, Ana is grateful for all the people she meets daily and enjoys her role as a Trails Resource Assistant. Read more about Ana’s experience so far with RAP.

 

Q: What interested you in joining RAP?

A: I graduated college this May and was looking for jobs, which was a bit tough with everything happening. I was looking at all kinds of job boards and came across the RAP program on the Texas A&M Wildlife Environmental Science posting. I saw openings for a trail and plant nursery position.

What drew me to this position is that I’ve done trail work before in a past summer internship. So, I would be down to try trails again and I’m always looking for jobs that are outside and field focused, because I don’t really like sitting in an office or in front of a computer all day. It kind of makes me sad if I’m not outside. I was also drawn to the position being through the National Forest system. I never worked for them before but thought that it would be such a cool opportunity.

 

Q: How has your experience been so far in RAP? Can you describe an average day in your current role?

A: I’ve been having a lot of fun so far. It’s slowed down a bit now because it’s winter; before winter, we would meet at the office and do computer work – emailing and things like that. For me, that meant I would email and shadow other departments. I would try to figure out different trainings I could do online; I knew that I’d be spending more time inside in the winter and I didn’t want to be bored or anything!

After about two hours of computer work, we’d head over to the Eddyville Base, which is a trail crew base. We’d pack up, get tools ready, and assemble whatever other materials we’d need for the project. The projects range from cutting away a dead tree that’s been on the trail, to making crush – a homemade gravel made from large rocks found on the trail.

We focus a lot on horseback riders, not just hikers. There’s a horse culture here, so when it comes to trail work, we focus on what’s best for both people and horses. For example, steps on a trail may be suitable for a hiker, but for the horse they can be really dangerous. So, we kind of have to think about what’s best and where we should put down more gravel to ensure that everyone has a comfortable hike.

We work with gravel a lot; it’s one of the main things that really helps with muddy areas. For us, there are a lot of trails and not many people working on the trails, so there are a lot of problems with drainage. A lot of it is trying to figure and solve the trails out.

And we also make signs – that’s a big one. Especially now that it’s winter. We’re doing a lot more sign-making and replacing old signs that might cause any confusion amongst hikers.

 

Q: Which project have you enjoyed taking part in the most?

A: I really enjoyed gravel hauling. I learned how to ride a Canycom. It’s similar to a big, mechanized bucket. I’ve never rode one before, nor operated a machine that big. It was really cool and fun! On that day, we worked with one of our partners’ horse groups. It was nice to meet other people and hear feedback from them. We were able to learn more about horse riding from their point of view, so it was interesting to hear more insight on what the trails may need. It was cool to work with other people and know that what we’re doing directly impacts the people that we meet.

Q: What are some of the challenges of the program?

A: Sometimes my challenge is that I physically have to do things in a different way from other people. I’m 5’2” and very petite, so someone might show me how to do things a certain way, but then when I try to do it – it doesn’t quite work. So, instead of stopping and getting frustrated or letting the other person do it – I try to find a way that works best for me. So that’s kind of been a problem, finding my own solution to learning new things while trying to be creative and resourceful.

I just completed my chainsaw certification. I took the class and received the certification – but now I have to put in hours to get better handling it. We had our field day to do the certification, and I never touched a chain aw before and didn’t realize how heavy it would be to work with it all day. I think that’s also a challenge that I’d like to work on – getting better with the chainsaw. Especially, since I know we’re going to have to cut down dead trees because it’s hazard tree season. I really want to get better at that, because I’m really bad at it now.

 

Q: Speaking of certifications, have you gained any other skills or certifications?

A: This is kind of random, but I have my special uses certification, because I was shadowing a special uses intern. Special uses are companies or larger organizations borrowing Forest Service lands – it’s like land permits. I did that certification and completed a defensive driving course.

 

Q: Have you learned anything about yourself?

A: I’ve always known I liked to be outside, but being able to do it full-time after college, knowing this is my day-to-day, instead of just for the summer and I have to return to school, reaffirms that this is what I want to do. I want to be outside.

I think I learned that if I were to work for the Forest Service again, I would definitely do trails. I’ve shadowed other departments and it’s been a lot of fun to shadow, but the trails system keeps making me come back. You get to meet people and hikers. Usually, everyone you meet is really nice and they’re always like, “Thank you for your work. Thanks for working on trails!” It’s a really great way to learn about the forest. I feel like I’ve went to so many spots in the forest where I can tell hikers, “You should try this hike, and this hike or that hike!”

 

“The people I work with have so much knowledge and I’m figuring out that I really do like trails and it’s great. With all these opportunities and skills that I’m learning, it’s nice to know that I can do them – even if it takes me a little more time or even if I have to do it a different way. I definitely can do it.”

 

Q: What are your plans following the RAP internship?

A: I think after RAP in March 2021, I want to try and get back to Japan to see my mom. It’s been a while and a crazy year. I think I’m going to do that until the end of the summer, but then, maybe in September or so, I’m looking into doing the year-long program with Kupu in Hawaii or maybe an opportunity for a trails position will open with the Forest Service.

 

Q: What are your long-term goals?

A: I would like to go back to grad school, probably for Botany or Ethnobotany. After I do that, I would like to have a full-time position with a conservation agency. That could be with the Forest Service or Fish and Wildlife Service. I want to keep working outside and within conservation.

 

Q: Overall, how would you describe your experience with RAP?

A: I say that it’s a lot of fun and that it’s unpredictable. Even with doing a trail internship before, I was kind of like, “Oh, I kind of know how to do these things. I’m probably going to be doing the same things.” However, it’s been so different. Where I worked previously, we only had hikers. Here at the Shawnee, we have hikers and horseback riders. And I’ve never been around horses that much. So even though I expected to know more than I did, I definitely had so much to learn. I was surprised at how different trail work can be between places, but it makes it really fun and interesting.

 

Q: What advice would you give to others who are considering a program like this?

A: I would say, if possible, reach out to the previous intern or partner organization and ask about the boring stuff like logistics, housing and things of that manner. When I reached out, I ended up getting my roommate, who is another intern, but had I not reached out, I wouldn’t have met her. So definitely reach out. I also feel like this year has been kind of weird for the program because of the pandemic; I feel like there are more ways to feel like you’re isolated. Reach out to the people that you’re working with and reach out to everyone at the forest. Email anyone you can think of to shadow and get to know them, and with that, your network becomes bigger. You feel more supported and get more connections that way, too. You feel like you’re more part of the forest, rather than just another intern passing through.

 

 

Corpsmember Profile: Educating Visitors at Great Sand Dunes – Meet Holly Anderson

By Sydni Dobson
This season, The Corps Network is featuring Corpsmember voices and stories of interns and “individual placement members.” Below, Holly Anderson shares her personal experience as an Individual Placement (IP) under Southwest Conservation Corps. Originally from the mountain community of Buena Vista, CO, Holly currently lives in Alamosa, CO and serves as the Interpretation and Visitor Services IP at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This is Holly’s third term as an Individual Placement intern.

How did you learn about the program and what interested you in joining?

I was attending grad school at Fort Hays State University in Kansas, where I met my boyfriend. He ended up getting a job out near Alamosa as a teacher and brought me here. I was looking for new job opportunities that would hopefully get me into a state or federal agency, because that’s where I wanted to ultimately end up. There were times in grad school, where I’d get the question, “What do you want to do when you graduate?” It always came down to working in a state or federal agency.

My background is more biology, wildlife biology, and natural resources. So, this is kind of the perfect place for me to be right now. I was very happy to see that the Visitors Center was hiring. I know it’s a little different than strictly wildlife and natural resources, but it gives me a good insight on how the National Park Service works, all while doing it in a way that can impact others.

 

How many terms have you served as an IP?

This is actually my third term as an Individual Placement at this park. I started back in September 2019 and my first term ended in January. My second term started in February, but I ended up cutting that short because I got a position with the National Park Service during the summer as a Bio Tech. It was really good timing and a good opportunity, so I had to take it. Then this position came open, filling in for someone during the winter; I figured, even though I had done this Individual Placement work before, the scope of work is a little bit different this time around. Especially in COVID times. A lot of it’s more focused digitally, so that’s something that I’m still learning. It’s been valuable in that aspect.

 

What type of work are you doing in your current role?

I am still doing some customer service. I work the front desk, answer customers’ questions and direct them around the park. They also want me to help work on some apps that they’re developing. The Department of Interior is coming out with an app, so they’re having me work with one of the Rangers on developing content for the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

I’m currently working on updating a summer archaeology program that the park makes for younger visitors. This is new for me; I haven’t done any kind of curriculum development like this before. An idea I’m working on right now is to create interpretative materials that I could give to the future seasonal rangers coming in to learn more information about natural resources in the park.

 

“One of my goals for this internship is to create interpretative programs that families can use to self-guide through the park. Hopefully, these interpretative programs will be put on the website or maybe developed into the app.”

 

Describe an average day in your role.

It’s definitely a little bit different in COVID times. I come into the office and begin cleaning and sanitizing all areas. The opening procedures consist of getting the desk ready, putting the flag up, and stamping out passport stamps for the visitors. Another thing is doing the morning report, giving an overview of what to expect in the day and sending it to the Rangers in the park. Yet, we’re not at the desk for hours at a time, we break it up into individual slots, so that we can have time to work on projects too.

 

Speaking of projects, do you have any projects that you’ve enjoyed working on the most?

One of the projects that I was working on with one of my Rangers this spring consisted of a new night sky book that is specific to Great Sand Dunes. This book was more suited for a Junior Ranger, but it was geared towards exploring the park at night. We’re a certified International Dark Sky Park and we have really dark skies. It provides interesting opportunities for families to explore out here. We created an activity book and came up with the activities that we wanted to do – we basically designed it. There isn’t a set print date for that yet.

 

What is your favorite part about the program?

You know aside from learning all of these cool things about the National Park Service and Great Sand Dunes, it’s getting to meet different people from around the world. They come from all over and are here to see the same beautiful things. People really value these places and it’s really cool that its worldwide, and not just for the United States.

 

Have you gained any new skills or certifications?

I’ve definitely gained a lot of new skills. I’ve worked on my customer service skills and in recent times I’ve worked on digital content, something that’s totally out of my wheelhouse. Another thing too: I forgot to mention that in my earlier terms, I was doing interpretative programs. I actually developed and researched what I wanted to do to these programs about and then presented them. Last fall is when I did my first program. Just learning how to capture and relate to an audience is different when you’re not used to interpretative speaking and writing.

 

Could you elaborate more on what interpretative speaking and writing is?

Like a guide in a museum that may interpret what is being portrayed in a painting. Interpretation (especially in parks) is a guide that helps lead audiences to underlying meanings of a physical resource. This in turn helps an audience understand their relationship to and potential impacts they can have on the resource, thus provoking connection to the resource.

 

How often were you doing your interpretative programs?

I was doing them Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Those are typically our busy days.

My first program, which was more about species and their adaptations, was about a 15-20-minute program that I’d do on the back porch and would bring out props, so that they could visually see what I’m talking about. My winter ecology program was half an hour, and I actually did a hike outside. We could be walking along the trail and I might see a plant, then tell people about this species and what it does in the wintertime.

 

Have you learned anything new about yourself?

I can be very adaptive. I’ve learned that I am able to take what other people go through or teach me, and I can make a beautiful product out of it. I’m actually really proud of my interpretative program; again, it was something that was completely out of my wheelhouse. I’ve never done that before. I sat down with one of the Rangers when he went over general stuff about interpretative programs and what handles to use, then I took that and ran with it. I created a program and I’m really proud of it. I’m also giving a program about things that I’m really interested in too.

 

What are your plans following this program?

Following this program, hopefully I will get another position with the National Park Service. Beyond that, I don’t really know.

 

What are your long-term goals?

A permanent job with natural resources or wildlife biology. If possible, more of a wildlife position than anything. Ideally, a Wildlife Biologist or Natural Resource Manager.

 

What advice would you give others considering a program like this?

I would advise people to go for it! Even if there are some aspects that might not seem super interesting to you, you might meet some amazing people along the way that open up even more doors and opportunities. I don’t regret any of my terms. I’ve learned a lot and met a lot of great people. I learned things about myself and it felt like a really well-rounded experience. The first two internships have definitely felt that way, and I’m sure I’ll get the same with this one as well.

 

Do you have anything else that you’d like to mention?

I would like to think that this program was one of the key components of me becoming a Bio Tech for the National Park Service. In this position, they allowed me to actually present some of my research in an employee meeting so that the Park Biologist and our Resource Management division could see the type of research that I’m capable of doing. I wouldn’t been able to do that if I wasn’t a part of this program. They opened up different opportunities for me to interact with different branches. That was really neat!

Corpsmember Profile: Creating Community in Colorado – Meet Xia Ren Arnold

By Sydni Dobson
This season, The Corps Network is featuring Corpsmember voices and stories of interns and “individual placement members.” Below, meet Xia Ren Arnold shares their personal experience of learning and growth while serving with Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC), based in Denver. Among other accomplishments during their service, Xia earned a Public Lands Corps Hiring Certificate: this federal hiring authority is granted to young people who have served 640 hours on public lands, including at least 120 hours on federal lands. Xia currently serves on MHYC’s Winter Fire Crew.

What were you doing before you came to Mile High Youth Corps?

Before I came to MHYC, I was an avid farmer. I had dropped out of business school after two years, once I was able to further introspect and identify what brought fulfillment and understanding into my life, and what didn’t.

Growing up, my grandparents were farmers in Wisconsin, California, and Alabama; I remember the stories they’d tell, gardening with my mom, and how we’d spend summers in their orchards and vineyards. Guess it all stuck with me.

I spent the next two and a half years, after leaving college, farming with my hānai family on their lands on the islands of Maui and Lāna’i. In early 2019, I had decided to head over to New Zealand, where I was able to live with a family of five for three months to learn, farm, and exchange culture. After being back in the States, I was looking for work and that search led me to where I am now.

 

 

How did you learn about MHYC? What made you want to join?

I had to leave New Zealand and come back to the U.S. quite abruptly due to a family emergency. After this period, I was looking for work and was able to narrow it down to Colorado Springs, CO. My brother had just moved there and offered me a place to stay. During this job search, I came across Mile High Youth Corps’ Fall Forestry Corpsmember position. I remember reading the position description and thinking how unbelievable it was that, at an entry-level position, I could learn the ropes of land conservation, earn a living stipend AND an AmeriCorps Education Award.

Honestly, it seemed a little too good to be true. I hadn’t heard of anything like this program before and was baffled at how much I resonated with the service and MHYC’s values: youth, community, and conservation. For nearly a year, while working on my hānai tūtū’s (grandmother’s) farm on Lāna’i, I was a program specialist at the local youth center. I discovered how vital community is to me and witnessed the lasting impact of conservation efforts (and negligence). Naturally, I had to apply.

 

 

You joined MHYC in 2019 as a Corpsmember. Can you tell us a little bit about your journey within the organization?

My journey experienced within the organization has been, in short, unreal. When first applying, I was already enamored with the position and the organization. When I received my first email from one of their staff, I was floored. At the very bottom of this person’s email to me, under their name and title, were their stated pronouns: “she/they.” I’ll remember it until the end of my days. That was when I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I had never seen anyone, especially one part of a renowned organization, have pronouns stated in a professional manner. Being someone who is trans-nonbinary, that alone changed so much for me.

“It was during that first season as a Corpsmember that I recognized an organization has that power to change someone’s life.”

MHYC incorporates DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) learning, initiatives, and implementation into all they do with great thoughtfulness, research, and intent. They have a Spectrum Club for all those LGBTQIA+, including allies. During this season, for these reasons I’m certain, I was able to begin using my name and pronouns openly for the first time. It was a big, and exciting, deal.

The service our crew did during this term was incredible: everything from planting trees, removing invasive species, installing fire rings, and building numerous types of trail and structures. The impact was seen and experienced first-hand. It was the most incredible experience being able to be a part of that change, camp at the project sites, create lasting bonds with my fellow Corpsmembers, meet amazing project partners, and love what I do every day in such a healthy work environment.

MHYC is great in many regards. Part of their thoughtfulness is shown in the way they care for those that serve with them. This includes an entire support team dedicated to get Corpsmembers anything they need (i.e. housing support, setting them up with SNAP benefits), and Alumni Mentors who guide Corpsmembers throughout their terms and connect them with MHYC’s food bank, no-cost counselling (which is beyond helpful when working such a physically demanding job), and one-on-one assistance with résumés, finding jobs, mock interviews, and more.

When my first term was coming to an end, MHYC was posting new positions. One of them was the Alumni Mentor: Conservation & Outreach position in Denver, CO. I applied, interviewed, got the job, and started two months later. For my first couple months, before relocating, it was an arduous three to six hours a day of commuting, but a wonderful eight hours of serving in a position I loved.

My roles shifted as needed throughout my nine-month term and I was able to get numerous trainings, vast mentorship, and many incredible memories. I was able to work at all three MHYC locations and with different kinds of crews from throughout the organization. During this term, I served on the Spectrum Committee, interviewed those who were pioneering research on affinity crews in Conservation Corps, interviewed Corpsmembers on their experiences and impact, led hiring initiatives and job postings, and grew substantially as a person and leader. A big thank you Emily Holmes and Jesse Roehm for that progress.

“Whether it was camping for four days in the frost, following necessary and meticulous COVID-19 procedures, or simply completing hard manual labor – each person exceeded their service requirements with gusto and an attitude of togetherness”

When this term was (sadly) coming to its end, I had the opportunity to do some sawyer work and lead a Hand/Trail Conservation Crew back in Colorado Springs. I was a co-crew leader for the term and continued to learn and grow substantially. My crew completely blew my expectations into another dimension. Whether it was camping for four days in the frost, following necessary and meticulous COVID-19 procedures, or simply completing hard manual labor – each person exceeded their service requirements with gusto and an attitude of togetherness. We were able to take part in many incredible projects at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and Spring Creek Park in Brookside. The overall experience of this term left me feeling extremely grateful.

When the hiring season came along for MHYC’s infamous Winter Fire crew, I thought I’d give it a shot! I sent in a letter of intent, answered some interview questions, then crossed all fingers and toes. A month ago, I had started my position and training as a Wildland Firefighter on the crew. I truly cannot express the daily levels of excitement and gratitude felt.

 

 

Congratulations on earning a Public Lands Corps Hiring Certificate! What are your educational or career goals for the future? Do you want to work on public lands?

Thank you so much! I’ll be serving with MHYC and the U.S. Forest Service until April. I’m only a month in, but so far am loving every minute. My educational and career goals are semi-dependent on this term and the levels on which I resonate with the work in this particular field. If this line of service connects with me, I’d like to try my shot at continuing into the Summer term and going from there.

Originally, and if for whatever reasons, I wish to depart from firefighting in April, I’ll continue my studies and apprenticeships in farming worldwide with a focus on permaculture and folk medicine. As for education, after two years of traveling apprenticeships, I’d move back to Hawai’i for college near my family to study formally. When the time is right – I’d like to operate my own self-sustaining farm, open an herbal apothecary (sourced by said farm), and focus on giving back to kanaka maoli (native Hawaiians), kūpuna (elders), and the communities thereof. Regardless of where I end up professionally, I know at the very least I’ll be volunteering in conservation initiatives ­– whether federal, state, or otherwise – until I’m physically no longer able.

 

 

As someone who served in 2019 and also in 2020, can you talk to us about what it’s been like serving through COVID-19?

A major shift occurred in early 2020. We began working from home and staff put in countless hours to get us on track. Our CEO, Deputy Director, Senior Land Manager, and others were all extremely fast-acting in creating a new “normal.” They created research-based protocols around working in-office, in-field, from home, health screens, cleaning, camping, COVID-19 testing and more. These protocols have been consistently updated and adjusted as needed. The details, thoughtfulness, and organizational commitment are the reasons we’re still able to run these programs.

Some things have been harder than others. It’s tough to not be able to connect with crews and coworkers in a more personable way, have beloved coworkers leave due to COVID-related budget constraints, and experience resource rationing (masks, gloves). On my crew in 2019, we were very close and personable. This year, not being able to express that same closeness, familiarity, and friendly touch was one of the hardest things for me to navigate.

The easier things: twice-a-day cleaning indoors, consistent vehicle sanitization, and office hour sign-in all have been effective. Lastly, during my Alumni Mentor term, I began as a part of the YACE (Youth and Community Engagement) Team before transferring to the Land Team because of COVID-related restructuring. This was a tough transition at first, as I had really grown close to my team. As it turns out, I really connected with the Land Team as well and was able to learn a lot with many new opportunities and experiences.

Operations have been a learning experience, ever-changing, and meticulous. Being a camping crew leader in the field during this time, I feel lucky to have had Corpsmembers that appreciated the procedures in-place and were responsible on their off days. It created a safe dynamic, where we wore our masks during the workday, kept windows cracked while driving, sanitized vehicles after the day, kept our distance, and were able to get tested if needed. Overall, things have been running smoothly considering the conditions of the pandemic in Colorado. Due to the tireless work of those on the frontlines, those who are crunching the numbers and analyzing the data, the MHYC staff creating the procedures, and all Corpsmembers’ willingness to follow guidelines, we’re able to keep doing what we love.

 

 

What advice or words of wisdom would you give to another young adult who might be considering a program like this, or considering a gap year?

For those considering doing something similar, I’d recommend that, after finding positions that resonate with you (there are numerous outdoor, conservation, and adventure job boards), research the organizations. Ensure your values align with theirs and that the purpose and intent of the service and/or crew excites you. There are so many incredible opportunities out there that are looking for young people passionate about conservation and the outdoors – even if you have no experience! Many of these programs allow you to get your “foot in the door” through specialized trainings and opportunities to learn, gain experience and certifications, network, and grow as a leader. Some also have AmeriCorps Education Awards to help with student loan forbearance, tuition, etc. If you’re interested, I’d recommend you give it a try: who knows, it may very well end up being your dream job, or could you lead you to your dream job. At the least, you could meet great people, add to your résumé, see beautiful sights, and make a difference in your community, environment, and self.

 

 

Corpsmember Profile: Army Veteran Starts Her Career in Conservation through Mt. Adams Institute VetsWork Program

By Sydni Dobson

Gina Kennedy joined the Mt. Adams Institute VetsWork AmeriCorps program in February 2020. As an Automated LogisticalSpecialist (92 Alpha) with the U.S. Army from 2000-2004, Gina was an integral member of the Army’s supply and warehousing specialist team. Gina’s duties required her to transport supplies and equipment all over Iraq. After leaving the military, Gina became an automotive mechanic with Sears Automotive in Clackamas County in Oregon. Her experience as a 92 Alpha played a major role in her enjoyment of this job in civilian life.

After several years of working in the world of auto mechanics, Gina had the desire to seek other opportunities using her veteran’s benefits. With diligent research and a lot of reflection, Gina enrolled at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. Her learning experiences led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences.

After graduation, she began searching for her first job. During her search, she discovered a posting on Indeed for the Mt. Adams Institute AmeriCorps VetsWork internship. Gina realized this opening could be the exact fit for her to continue expanding her education and experiences.

“I was excited when I read the VetsWork posting. I knew immediately that this was the job I wanted,” said Gina. “The position would allow me to do a variety of environmental tasks and community outreach (although COVID has limited my community involvements) while giving me an opportunity to gain a vision of where I would like my career to go. I was grateful and very enthusiastic when I received the call that I had been accepted into the 2019/2020 program.”

VetsWork is an eleven-month career development internship program for military veterans interested in the natural resources management, public lands, and environment sector. VetsWork participants are placed at local, state, and federal land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service where they provide project support while learning about various career paths. Gina was placed with Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, a conservation-focused non-profit in Oregon.

Prior to COVID-19, some of Gina’s initial responsibilities as a Restoration, Education, and Community Engagement (RECE) AmeriCorps intern consisted of meeting with partners, assisting the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP) with fundraisers, and helping collect data on Tillamook Bay.

Heading into the second month of her program, the coronavirus outbreak caused many organizations to scale back on projects, leaving Gina with the task of caring for TEP’s plant nursey. She was responsible for weeding, planting, and collecting seeds to restore environments along the coast.

“The effort of native seed collecting from native bushes and trees can be challenging at times,” said Gina. “A great deal of travel time is required to find some of these specimens, sometimes with little reward in seeds collected. However, every seed is worth the effort because they typically go to coastal restoration projects.”

In addition to her role at the plant nursery, Gina served on multiple volunteer projects, ranging from searching for rare plants with the U.S. Forest Service, to helping The Nature Conservancy with transect lines – a method to track progress on restoration projects. She also worked with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and participated in a snorkeling survey to collect data on adult fish populations.

Although these projects allowed Gina to experience different aspects of environmental work, following COVID-19 safety precautions and having to work alone began wearing down on her military-diagnosed PTSD, causing depression at times. She shortly realized that, even for an introvert, she enjoys working with other people. Even if she has to be alone, however, Gina is happy to still be able to work on projects.

“Being able to experience different aspects of what you can do in environmental science, as a natural resources professional. There’re so many options out there in this type of field.”

Still exploring which avenue she wants to take in her natural resources career, Gina’s goal is securing a permanent position. As a native of Washington, Gina hopes to land a position with a non-profit organization in her home state or in Oregon, where she currently resides.

Gina’s advice to veterans wondering about their next move:

“I think the Mt. Adams Institute AmeriCorps VetsWork program is a smart move for veterans who need a helping hand in making their next job move. If they are unsure about what choice to make in new career opportunities, VetsWork offers the possibility to look at different jobs. Not only do you get to work with great and like-minded people, but you also get to work around nature. I think it’s an amazing program that will produce better job choices in your future.”