Hey y’all! My names JonLuke Mowell and I’m from Myersville, Maryland. My love for nature begins with my home and childhood; my surroundings were farm fields mixing with the Appalachian Mountains. This landscape became the backdrop for my passion in many different outdoor activities. By high...
I grew up in Spokane, Washington in a tight-knit family, all with a love for the outdoors. Living in Spokane gave me a lot of access to outdoor recreation; I grew up Nordic skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and so much more. I've always found being outdoors grounds and fulfils me. I am extremely...
Hi y'all, my name is Palmer. I grew up in Georgia and moved to Seattle when I was about 11. I fell in love with the outdoors from an early age as my family often went camping, and after moving to Washington this was increased tenfold. I feel as though the mountains are my home and hope for a time...
Hello! My name is Maiya McAuliffe; I am from Tacoma, WA, as well as a recent graduate from Pacific Lutheran University with Bachelors Degree's in Biology and Hispanic Studies. I have been active outdoors person, whether it’s hiking, backpacking, scuba diving, kayaking, or snowboarding, I am up for...
My name is Aaron Lindsey. I grew up in Maryland in a small town called Hancock. I later moved to Hagerstown. I do not recommend visiting either of these places. I was fortunate enough to have two parents who thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and consistently took me on their adventures. My dad was a...
My name is Bill. I grew up in southwest Washington where I spent many of my days in the woods on my family's timberland. I enjoyed my time in the woods, from Mt. St. Helens to the Cowlitz River, hunting to fishing. I am a hunter, a fisher, a hiker and a logger. I spent four years in the United...
My name is Nate Jensen and I grew up in Salt Lake City, UT at the base of Millcreek Canyon. I am grateful to have grown up in such a beautiful place with the opportunity to explore Utah’s diverse ecosystems. With the Wasatch Mountain range in my backyard and the Uinta’s just a short drive away, I...
My name is Alex Cohen. I was born just outside of D.C. but moved to the PNW in elementary school and grew up on Bainbridge Island in Washington. I have always been an active person - I played a variety of sports growing up which turned to outdoor recreation as I got older. My favorites are...
My name is Jessica, I go by she/her pronouns and I am a lifelong learner and advocate for every population that is oppressed. I am taking a break from my studies at Cal Poly Pomona, where I major in English and Special Education, to be here and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity. My...
I have thoroughly enjoyed my AmeriCorps service term with MAI and USFWS. This has further affirmed my desire to work for USFWS later on in my career. While I don’t feel like a full-time USFWS position is directly next in the cards for me, I am grateful to learn of additional ways to engage with...
In this unique Field Notes entry, Heriverto “Eddy” Colado stages an unforgettable “interview” with a lamprey about his encounter with a human researcher in the field, blending storytelling and research in a way only he can and giving a voice to one of the Columbia River’s most ancient inhabitants. Paired with a dramatic video set to Hans Zimmer’s “Cornfield Chase,” Eddy’s work is sure to captivate your curiosity and expand your perspective on these incredible creatures.
Kristin grew up in rural Vermont, where her love for nature first took root. With a degree in Cultural Anthropology, she’s explored the world through NOLS in Baja, Mexico, and a study abroad semester in Nepal. Her career journey includes serving in AmeriCorps, working...
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.
Jessica Rodriguez reflects on her transformative journey as an MAI Land Stewards intern, From wielding chainsaws to exploring fire ecology, her experiences at Mt. Hood have reshaped her career goals and deepened her connection to the outdoors. Join her as she shares how this season of learning and growth has sprouted new possibilities for her future.
Meet Taryn Oseen, a VetsWork intern with NOAA’s Restoration Center who embodies the mission of creating connections—between people, nature, and professional growth. As a Navy veteran pursuing a career in environmental science, Taryn joined the program to gain real-world experience and close the gap between academic training and career readiness.
Changing lives and the landscape one internship at a time.
Aaron Lindsey reflects on how his MAI internship with the USFS Entiat Ranger District allowed him to merge his lifelong passion for dirt bikes with his love for the outdoors. Spending a summer working in the stunning Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest, Aaron shares his gratitude for the experience and the incredible people he met along the way.
Jonluke’s journey as a Land Steward intern has been nothing short of an incredible adventure! From finding morels to working on the frontlines of forest fires, he’s embraced every challenge and opportunity along the way.
Land Steward Maiya McAuliffe, talks about invasive species control at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Glenwood, WA. This is my first position as a biology. “This is my first position as a biology technician post graduation and I couldn’t have stumbled across a better first job.”
To Celebrate 15 years of Sense of Place we present… “THE GREATEST ROCK OPERA EVER PRODUCED ABOUT A WATERSHED*”
Coming to Hood River, Oregon in April of 2025.