The scent of spring is in the air. New buds are appearing on trees, sugaring season is underway, and mud season seems to be starting as winter loosens it’s grasp. Here at the SLA, things seem to be changing too. Over this past winter, most of our service has been focused on education programs, water quality, trail work, and snow removal. Now that Spring is on it’s way, things are shifting into higher gear, and new learning opportunities are on the horizon. As this transition approaches, I think it is beneficial to take some time to reflect and re-assess.
They say that you should “cast a wide net” to find what you are searching for. In my case, since graduating from college, I have been on the hunt for a stable and fulfilling career in Environmental Science or Conservation. During the time that I spent getting my degree at UMass, I learned a lot, both in the classroom and from the jobs that helped to finance my education. From classes in “hard sciences” like biology and chemistry, to work experience in GIS mapping, soil science, petro/chemical remediation, and lumber yard operations, I have learned and gained experience in a wide variety of professionally applicable skills.
Here at the SLA, my net seems to be growing ever larger. I have picked up new skills including, snow plowing, small engine maintenance, trail work, and, most challenging of all, environmental education. In college, I got plenty of practice communicating scientific concepts to peers and fellow scientists. However, teaching the general public is a whole different ball game. More challenging yet is teaching the kids at the after school programs that we run once a week. You can't rely on prerequisite knowledge, acronyms, or scientific jargon. The real challenge, especially when teaching kids, is simplifying abstract concepts into understandable lesson plans while avoiding instilling or fortifying misconceptions. As I have been putting a plan together for my upcoming Insect Biology adventure ecology program, I have come to realize that this is one of the skills that I will need to continue to work on.
I've always had a strong appreciation for the concept of the “jack of all trades”. Perhaps I have conflated personal fulfillment and personal ability, but as they say, “variety is the spice of life”. Looking forward to the Spring here at the SLA, I am excited for the upcoming opportunities. Soon we will begin trail hosting, SCUBA dive training, and we will be doubling down on trail maintenance and rebuilding parts of the Old Bridle Path. If there is one thing that I have learned about the field of conservation, it is that a wide net is part of the job description.
Eric has a lot of strange talents in his repertoire, including mad diabolo skills! Derived from a chinese yoyo, a diabolo is a juggling or circus prop. Learn more about Eric here!