This is my second Americorps position, and there are many reasons why I decided to serve another term after my first one. My position title is Wilderness Backcountry Ranger and I currently serve in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Entiat Ranger District. My main responsibilities as a ranger include interacting with all kinds of outdoor recreators, Leave-No-Trace education, trail condition monitoring/reporting, and trail maintenance. I consider a ranger’s “office” to be miles into a designated wilderness area!

Last summer I was a member of an Americorps-funded wilderness trail crew and found that my heart lies in working in the outdoors on public lands. Through Mt. Adams Institute, I am able to work in partnership with the US Forest Service but take on a different role. Having an internship as a wilderness ranger has given me valuable experience in understanding the management of various types of outdoor recreation on our public lands. I really enjoy working in our National Forests and internships like this one through Mt. Adams Institute are a substantial way to get your foot in the door to becoming a Forest Service employee.