It’s been roughly a month since I graduated from college and moved all the way across the United States to start working with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) through the Mt. Adams Institute’s AmeriCorps program: Public Lands Stewards! I think I can safely say my time so far has been incredible! As a coastal resource intern, I get to work with some great people on projects varying from combating invasive species to assessing trails for increased maintenance funds stretching all along the southern coast of Oregon.

During my first week of work, I spent an entire day in the field identifying both native and invasive species, along with a few endangered species. On the weekends I travel to discover other amazing places like Crater Lake National Park, the Redwoods in California, or I study for the GRE. I am super excited to delve deeper into tasks for Oregon State Parks and the community!