Our first group of 2024 VetsWork interns graduated today!

Over the past 45 weeks, these seven hardworking and dedicated individuals have made incredible contributions while serving on public lands across Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, and Michigan. Partnering with the @u.s.forestservice , @NOAA Fisheries West Coast and the @usfws Conservation Office, they worked as field technicians, land survey technicians, recreation technicians, and habitat restoration specialists.

Their accomplishments include:
🌲 Teaching engaging summer educational programs,
🌲 Conducting lamprey surveys to assess the effects of river dredging,
🌲 Creating restoration site maps, submerged aquatic vegetation maps, and story maps,
🌲 Maintaining miles upon miles of survey lines,
🌲 Supporting recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene, and
🌲 Keeping recreation sites safe, maintained, and accessible for the public.

Some interns spent their entire service in the field, ensuring public lands remain safe and enjoyable to the public. While others spent their time focused on technical tasks like mapping and communicating their agency’s vital work with the help of technology.

Their dedication and passion have made a lasting impact on our nation’s public lands and the communities that rely on them. We wish all of our interns the very best in their next adventures!

#MtAdamsInstitue #AmeriCorps #ServiceLearning #VetsWork #Veterans #conservation #publilands

What makes Sense of Place so special?

For 15 years Sense of Place has offered common ground for people to share stories that inspire, educate, and uplift our communities. All while deepening our connection to the Gorge and to one another.

“Sense of Place and Sarah help us to see across divides, to view each other as people with interesting stories and knowledge to share…to appreciate our differences rather than use them to further divide.” – Lesley Tamura, Season 14 Speaker

“Sense of Place is one of the best things happening in the Gorge. It lets all of us, long-time residents and newcomers, learn, and care more deeply about this place and the people who call it home.” – SOP Sponsors Mike Hendricks & Leanne Hogie

Sense of Place is made possible thanks to community support. Please consider donating to our end of year giving campaign to ensure that this program remains a community cornerstone for years to come.

Visit SenseofPlaceGorge.org to learn more or donate at https://givebutter.com/MOE12J

#SenseOfPlace #InvestInCommunity #SupportLocalVoice #MtAdamsInstitute

When AmeriCorps VetsWork intern Emily Kosterman signed on to serve with the U.S. Forest Service, she never imagined she’d play a role in selecting the @U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

For the past 54 years a different national forest has been chosen to provide "The People’s Tree” for the U.S. Capitol, which includes a public engagement campaign to create connections to and celebrate our national forests.

In this interview, Emily shares the challenges, surprises, and incredible teamwork that happened behind the scenes in order to bring this year’s tree—a 90-foot Sitka spruce from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest—to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Check out a behind the scenes look at what goes into selecting the perfect U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, from ecological surveys to pest prevention on our website!

https://mtadamsinstitute.org/behind-the-scenes-how-a-mt-adams-institute-intern-helped-select-the-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree/

Photo: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

@u.s.forestservice
@uscapitolchristmastree

#mtadamsinstitute #americorps #usfs #vetswork #uscapitolchristmastree

This season, we’re especially thankful for YOU, our supporters, and the amazing interns who help carry forward our mission to connect people with nature. 🌿

Today, we’re celebrating Jessica Rodriguez, a Land Stewards intern whose journey has been nothing short of inspiring. When she first started, she had never held a power tool—now, she wields a chainsaw with confidence, is certified to fight fire, and has gained experience coordinating volunteers and brining people together to care for public lands. 💪🪚🔥

Jessica says her time with MAI has sparked a newfound passion for fire ecology and deepened her connection to the outdoors, “growing roots” that will keep bringing her back to Mt. Hood. 🌳

Her story is just one example of how your generosity helps shape lives and careers. Your support makes it possible for young adults like Jessica to gain the skills, confidence, and connections they need to make a lasting impact on our natural world.

🍂 This Giving Season, let’s grow even more roots together. Join us in building a stronger connection between people and the environment by donating at: https://givebutter.com/MOE12J

Read Field Notes from Jessica`s journey at: https://mtadamsinstitute.org/field-notes-jessica-rodriguez-a-jack-of-all-trades-2/

Comment below: Which of Jessica’s new skills would you most like to learn?

#MtHood #Thanksgiving #WomenInTheOutdoors #AmeriCorps #USFS #MtAdamsInstitute #Gratitude #GivingSeason