One of the greatest opportunities of the Mt. Adams Institute’s Public Lands Stewards program is the fact that not only do you get to work for the Forest Service as a wilderness ranger but you also get to shadow other employees in different positions and learn a multitude of diverse skills and tools for other sectors within the Forest Service. Continue Reading…
It’s not even August yet and this summer has been one of the most influential, awakening, and educational times of my life. Continue Reading…
Hello, my name is Jake Kendall and I’m from Roseville, Minnesota. I went to school at the University of Minnesota Duluth where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional studies. Continue Reading…
I grew up in northwest Ohio where it is as flat as can be and so didn’t truly get into any adventure type sports until I moved into the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. Continue Reading…
My one person tent and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness have become my home and I am not ready to let either of them go. Continue Reading…
The sun shines high above the Pacific Crest Trail. Spinola Creek tumbles through basalt rock worn by millennia of meltwater. A northern harrier hawk crests over Cathedral Ridge looking to make a meal of a vole. It is noon – and like the predator above, I search for my next meal. My hunt is quick; a simple lunch is found in the top of my pack. From the time of wake up six hours ago, I’ve taken ten thousand steps, cut twelve logs, dug eight drainages, and engaged with twenty-six backpackers. In other words, I’ve ensured that five miles of this popular trail are clear for the hundreds of individuals who will hike this section in the comings months; I’ve educated two dozen backpackers on Alpine Lakes Wilderness regulations and Leave-No-Trace principles; I’ve consumed over a liter of water and perspired most of that out. The hawk was successful and returns to soaring the skies. Likewise, I’ve finished my lunch and get back to work. What lies ahead is what lay behind; ten thousand steps, twelve logs, eight drainages, and twenty-six backpackers. This is a day in the life of a US Forest Service Wilderness Ranger. Continue Reading…
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. Continue Reading…
The ending of my season at the Cle Elum- Roslyn Ranger District has been very educational and an incredible experience. Continue Reading…
Tommy, one of America’s National Treasures and a member of the Cle Elum trail crew, sums up the entirety of this program in three words… “Let’s get puggin’…” Continue Reading…
Hitch #1 complete. This past week my crew and I completed our first week-long hitch together, and I have to say it was pretty amazing. Continue Reading…
My adventure of working for Mt. Adams Institute and being partnered with the Forest Service at the Cle Elum Ranger District has being purely amazing. I wasn’t too sure of what to expect at the beginning, but I have been given so many skills that I can use to pursue other opportunities in life and I’ve met people who have taught me so much. I couldn’t be more grateful for this experience. Continue Reading…