I am approaching the end of my AmeriCorps internship serving with the Monongahela National Forest located deep in the Appalachian Mountains.

This experience has been transformative for my outlook on life and career goals. I think the most important lesson I have learned is that the U.S. Forest Service provides a culture of work where service to the public and our lands is paramount to their mission. The teamwork, effort, and passion of the employees has given me an overall positive experience. Learning something new while wearing multiple hats is also critical to success in an internship with the Forest Service. I have experienced some of the most beautiful landscapes where I serve.

I have foraged wild berries and mushrooms, I have collected water from natural springs, and I have learned a lot of forest specific botany. This experience of AmeriCorps service has shown me that I want to strive to gain more knowledge of the environmental field to put me in a better position to serve the natural world. As always, I am grateful for my time and to Mt. Adams Institute for enabling me to experience this opportunity.

 

 

 

 

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