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  • About Us
    • Programs
      • Overview
      • VetsWork Environment
      • VetsWork GreenCorps
      • Education Programs
      • Public Lands Stewards
    • About
      • Our Mission
      • Our Impact
      • Our Staff
      • The Board
      • DEI Commitment
      • Lodging
      • Program Partners
    • Our Interns
      • VetsWork Environment Interns
      • VetsWork GreenCorps Interns
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My name is Eric Leight. I’m a fella from New Jersey who decided to try his luck in the Pacific Northwest as a firefighter. Through ten weeks of intense training, both physically and mentally, we now stand here waiting for our chance at action. Over the past two months, a lot has happened, and I do mean a lot. Whether we were out in the forest cutting down trees, or on our own time “exploring” the town, there was never a dull moment. The crew is made up of likeminded people with a passion for fire, and a thirst for adventure. Us coming from a military background, we were all somewhat prepared for the rigors of training. We were expected to perform at a certain level and hold ourselves to standards, and we have. We all relish in the idea of self-improvement and seek it out in any form we can.

 After all the training, the chainsaw qualifications, CPR certifications, and enough PowerPoints to make a man mad, we are here. Ready and willing. Foaming at the mouth like stray dogs waiting to pounce on a prey. Our prey is fire and we are starved. This experience so far has convinced me that a life of firefighting is a life I want. The crew has come together and real friendships have been forged. The comradery and intensity is something I have missed sorely since my time in the Marines and having it back is worth all the blood, sweat and tears I have.

We have countless stories to tell, but only a few privileged people may hear them…

i

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Jul 16

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It was so much fun teaching mtadamsinstitute summer botany camp yesterday. The kids had a blast learning about plants and natural dyes. We had a field trip to bloomanddye to harvest fresh dye flowers and the older kids made bundle dyed bandanas. The young kids made indigo shibori bandanas and left with blue hands and blue arms! 💙🌿🌼💛 

I left exhausted with a big smile and full heart. Seeing the joy and happiness on these kids faces as they saw what they created was a treat. 

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Apr 19

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She’s off for her school overnight trip! She handled all of her own packing and I am fully confident that means she’ll have at least 95% of the things she really needs. Girlfriend is on top of it! #urchinadventures #montessorikids #overnightfieldtrip #cascademountainschool
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Jan 14

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Blue Hour at Mount Adams, The #bluehour is the period of #twilight when the Sun is at a significant depth below the horizon and residual, indirect sunlight takes on a predominantly blue shade.
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#mtadamsinstitute  #mountainreflections  #explorewashstate #pnwonderland #cascadiaexplored #cascadia #wonderfulwashington #wonderfulwashingtonstate #pnwescapes #pnwadventures #pnwadventurers #pnwcrew #pnw_shooters #mtadams #giffordpinchotnationalforest #giffordpinchot #pnwphotographer #pnwphotography #leavenotrace #washingtonphotography #bluehourphotography #klickitatcounty #photography #blue #light #landscapephotography #landscapephotographer #mountains
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Aug 5

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Missing camp
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Dec 6

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Mt Adams in August 
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