Over the past few months, I have gone back and read pretty much every conservation journal I could find on the LRCC website to try to prepare myself for my service term here at the SLA. I can’t believe I am finally writing my own! After being here for a month, I now know there really wasn’t anything I could do to truly prepare for this experience. The past few weeks have been a lot of fun but, it has also definitely been an information overload. I have been able to take so many different trainings like invasive plant identification, trail maintenance, lake hosting, non-violent communication and interpretive education. I was even able to get my Open Water SCUBA certification, Wilderness First Aid, and my commercial boating license.
One of my favorite parts of my service term so far has been getting the opportunity to learn from my co-servers. It is interesting to hear different perspectives on environmental issues from people with different upbringings and academic backgrounds. For example, before hearing my co-server Evan talk about hunting, I held many biases and stereotypes about hunters and their intentions. Evan has really opened my mind up about hunting and its role in conservation and living a sustainable lifestyle.
The best and scariest part of my service so far is realizing how much I do not know. At college, I studied environmental studies and geography. From the classes I took, I had read a lot about conservation and sustainable land management strategies, but I had never actually implemented these strategies in real life. In order to build a sustainable land management strategy like water bars on trails or a pollinator garden you need some important things… tools! Before coming to the SLA, I could count on one hand the number of tools I had ever used. Over the past month I have learned a lot about different types of tools and their uses. I have discovered that being able to physically work on a project and build something is one of the best feelings out there. I am eager to learn as much about them as I can about them during my time here as an LRCC member.
I have loved exploring New Hampshire over these past few weeks and have gained a strong appreciation for the natural beauty and biodiversity in the Lakes Region. I have already gotten to see a wide variety of species like Loons, Herons, a snapping turtle, and have even experienced my first bear encounter on Mount Percival! Growing up on (the very flat) Long Island, I am not used to the beautiful mountains here. Whenever I am in the car I can’t help but roll down a window and stare out in awe of the amazing landscapes passing me by. I am already feeling very attached to Squam and am looking forward to doing my part to protect this beautiful place.
Grace is a half-year member serving at the Squam Lakes Association. She recently graduated from George Washington University with a double major in Environmental Studies and Geography and a double minor in GIS and sustainability. Learn more about Grace here!