Although I grew up in NH, I surprisingly did not spend much time up in the Lakes Region. One of my first summer internships allowed me to do field work sampling fresh and coastal waters all over the state, but having sampled so many sites, all the beautiful places I saw that summer became faint memories. When I joined the LRCC, I was excited to explore a piece of NH that I thought was foreign to me however, my memories of the region’s remote beaches and vast lakes held better than expected and now find myself with constant lingerings of déjà vu, sampling some of the same waters as that summer internship.
Something I appreciate now - after reflecting back on nearly nine months of service with Green Mountain Conservation Group - is the sense of place I earned and the rewards I discovered through the changing seasons. Not to say that the winter wasn’t challenging - I’ll never forget my nights spent sleeping with approximately three layers, wool socks and a hat but transitioning from my winter activities into spring and summer has reminded me of the extremes nature goes through each year in NH, and how that changes those of us who call NH home. These changes have occurred for me both personally and in my service as an educator as our programs transitioned from classrooms to the preferred outdoors.
During the colder months, I enjoyed challenging myself with some winter hiking. I did not know it at the time, but my winter hikes set me up for a whole new experience on those same peaks in the spring and summer. When the rest of the snow had melted and we could finally see ‘green’ again in May, I ventured back to my favorite local hiking spot. I parked my car in its usual area, traded my crampons and gaiters for bug spray, and started walking. However, I stopped short thinking I must have walked the wrong way. The familiar opening to the trail was replaced with overgrowth: nothing seemed familiar. I retraced my steps only to find that 1. I may not have the best sense of direction and 2. This was in fact the same trail I’d hiked half a dozen times before. As I began the ascent, I marvelled at the lush greenery and the irreplaceable smell (decomposing plant material) that I had been missing all winter. Despite the few trail markings, it was not until I began seeing the landmarks I’ve come to remember that I was truly convinced I was hiking the same trail.
Apart from one semester abroad, I’ve never missed a winter in New England. It’s pretty incredible how each year, I nearly forget the experiences and scenery brought by spring when winter sends its last snowstorm in well, April. I do believe I’ve had a collection of experiences like this disorienting hike throughout the years, but I’m always equally as surprised that both myself and nature manage to make it through each winter and bloom all over again come spring. I’ve found enjoyment in assisting with more outdoor education, sampling of rivers and lakes, and all else that has come with the spring and summer seasons as one of Green Mountain Conservation Group’s AmeriCorps Members. Part of my transition as I finish up my service with LRCC has been recognizing these experiences in all seasons and the way that has shaped my flexibility and character. I can’t guarantee that I will be spending this coming winter in New England, but I know for a fact that my conservation service has given me many tools to adapt wherever I end up next, and for that I am grateful!
Haley is a full-year Lakes Region Conservation Corps member with the Green Mountain Conservation Group. You can read more about Haley here.