Public Lands Stewards: Endless Views, Wildflowers, and Fascinating Geology

by | Land Stewards

About two months in and every day is still unique, keeping me on my toes. I have predominantly been helping the Cle Elum Ranger District’s Trail Crew by clearing out trails in the front country. I had not been on a single trail in the Cle Elum Ranger District before starting this job and am astounded by the endless views, wild flowers, and fascinating geology. Our work is not glamorous, but I am grateful to be immersed in the incredible nature of the Pacific Northwest. Mountains, water, flora, fauna, and fungi are what keep me going through the long hot days. It also helps knowing that I am helping clear the trails to make them safe and inviting for others to use. As of late, my job has mostly consisted of drainages, tread restoration, and logging out trails with crosscut saws and small hand saws, but recently I got to spend a day working with botany on a Tussock Moth survey and met some amazing like minded people.