VetsWork: Just the Beginning

  Hello world, I am serving as a recreation intern based at the Glacier Ranger District in Girdwood, Alaska for the U.S. Forest Service on the Chugach National Forest. Finding this position came at the perfect time in my life and I am so ecstatic to be here! I...

VetsWork: Is That You John Wayne?

Alright, so the last time you guys heard from me I was battling snow for the first time which was no cake walk. Now I long for the days of cold and white while I bake in the sun soaked oven that Hells Canyon turns into during summer. Temperatures have jumped to 105...

VetsWork: An Unknown Phenomenon

Hi my name is Spike. I am an AmeriCorps VetsWork member serving through the Mt Adams Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the connection between people and the natural world. I am working as a trail crew intern in the Hells Canyon...

VetsWork: True Confessions of an Intern

“And we’re off!” Hey there, I am Brandon Mersich an AmeriCorps/Vetswork intern currently relocated from Southern California to Eastern Oregon on the Malheur National Forest. Mt. Adams Institute’s VetsWork program has provided me with a great position as a recreational...

VetsWork: My Future with Fire

The VetsWork program of the Mt. Adams Institute gave me access to several different experiences that I would not have had otherwise. I am very thankful for these opportunities and I can’t express how much they have impacted my future career choices. One of the...

VetsWork: Looking Forward to My Future

It amazing to think that this VetsWork program with the Mt. Adams Institute is coming to an end. The experience I have had at Mt. Hood National Forest was completely amazing. I have had an opportunity to learn many new things and I have gained skills that will...

VetsWork: Reflection of a Great Internship

What can the Mt Adams Institute do for you!?! They can put you in a place to succeed! Just the fancy college degree will not always get you the job; employers want you to have real job experience. The AmeriCorps VetsWork internship provides you with just that. And the...

VetsWork: An Unforgettable Place

This will be my final blog for my internship with the U.S. Forest Service through Mt. Adams Institute. I got to be part of a program called VetsWork where I was partnered with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest’s district range department. I got to hike all over...

VetsWork: Finding your Way

Serving through AmeriCorps on the Mark Twain National Forest I have gained numerous experiences and knowledge that I will be able to apply furthermore into a career position with the Forest Service. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by those who support my...

VetsWork: Eastern National Children’s Forest

In our journey as public land caretakers, it’s easy to get attached to specific areas, as so much of our national forests are beautiful and unique. However, one area in particular that I think deserves more attention than it gets is the Eastern National Children’s...

VetsWork: A Fun Ride

Well we are coming to the end of the program, which is a little weird to say. I’ve done so many things, seen so many new and beautiful places, and met so many awesome people. As well as getting qualified in things I never thought I would be qualified in;...

VetsWork: Full Circle

I’m sure this is said by most VetsWork members but “Man these months have flown by!” It’s hard to believe my 10-month internship as the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest natural resource intern is coming to an end. Though the days are getting shorter and nights...

Public Lands Stewards: Lyman Lake

The Lake Chelan area that we have been working on has a large number of trails, from short hour-long trips to destinations that can take 3 days of hard work to get to. A significant amount of our time is spent on one 30-mile stretch of trail and its branching...