As I reflect on my last thirty-eight days spent working on the Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF), I am genuinely taken aback at how much I have learned. The staff at my district have been exceptionally hospitable. As a VetsWork AmeriCorps intern I’m not only learning about the inner workings of the United States Forest Service (USFS), but I am acquiring invaluable information that will aid me in deciding on what career I will ultimately choose.
The MTNF, located in southern Missouri, is comprised of oak/hickory/pine forests, and strewn with caves, mountains, springs, streams, and lakes. Essentially, my duties as a recreation, timber, and trails intern include maintaining recreation sites and marking timber for sale, but everyone gets to dabble in each discipline; e.g., wildlife, wildland firefighting, engineering, and archaeology.
In summation, I get to serve the public, my office is the forest, and the USFS is a multifaceted profusion of knowledge and experience. The Mt. Adams Institute is facilitating a remarkable program with AmeriCorps and the USFS. Take advantage.
Planting trees with high school students at Salem, MO City Park.
Replacing worn out Forest Service road ID’s.
Cook Spring.
Taking a water sample at Logger’s Lake Campground.
Marking timber.
Maintaining ATV trails.
