I grew up just outside of Tacoma Washington, spending time diving, tide pooling, and adventuring around the Puget Sound while hiking, backpacking and exploring the Cascade Wilderness. I recently left the Pacific Northwest, moving to California’s central coast to get my master’s in marine biology. I have lived there for three years now but have returned to Washington every summer for seasonal work in the Central Cascades. I am an avid birder and wildlife photographer and have enjoyed becoming more familiar with the variety of ecosystems on the west coast. I have split much of my life either working with marine species like Olympia oysters, grey whales, and northern elephant seals or working in the environment removing invasive plants, monitoring waterways, and maintaining trails. I simply love being and working outside so I take any opportunity to do so!
I decided to become an intern with Mt. Adams because the large-scale budget and personnel cuts seen across the forest service and other federally funded scientific organizations eliminated my seasonal position with the Chelan wilderness trails crew. I had previously been the trails coordinator for Holden village, after which I joined the Chelan crew for two more seasons. I was extremely excited to continue working with the amazing people and within the trail system I had spent over three years getting to know. After the cuts I was devasted to see my friends move on to try to find other jobs and know that I might not be returning to the Cascades. Mt. Adams provided me with the opportunity to continue the same work with some of the same crew members, so it was a no-brainer to take the position. I have grown to care deeply for the environment, the trails, and the land this district maintains for all people to enjoy. I want to continue this work in any way I can and am excited to do so this season with Mt. Adams.