Hey everyone, I’m really excited to fill you in on the past two months of my AmeriCorps VetsWork internship. As you may have read in my bio, I am working in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Northwest Georgia. It has been an incredible experience so far working with so many talented and knowledgeable co-workers and getting to soak in the beauty of the Forest on a daily basis. The work is always something new; I enjoy the unique challenges and experiences I get from working in an interdisciplinary position. One day I can be doing Ruffed Grouse surveys at 5am listening for their distinct drumming call with the wildlife biologist or hiking into the Cohutta Wilderness surrounded by fallen trees that need to be crosscut and thrown off the side of the mountain with the wilderness ranger. I have finally completed all necessary courses and tests to become a Wildland Firefighter, and I also monitor the air quality from the top of the Cohutta Overlook on Fort Mountain. I have helped out with volunteer workdays and a kid’s fishing derby, which was a lot of fun! Everyday I learn something new and see the incredible work that helps to maintain our national forests behind the scenes. I am looking forward to obtaining some new certifications and learning even more about the forest and the community I am serving.
