An appreciation of what we do.
I like “weird” things.
One of my favorite pastimes is mountain biking, a hobby in which I plummet down the side of a hill and try to avoid significant bodily harm. I prefer 90℉ days to 60℉ days. I like pineapple on pizza, but I’m not the biggest fan of pepperoni.
So take it with a grain of salt when I tell you that much of what we do here for the LRCC is fun. On paper, when written out, much of our work may sound boring or exhausting. It can be hard to describe the appeal of something, particularly if your audience has never done that very task, so bear with me as I attempt to explain why I find splitting wood and pulling invasives enjoyable.
Physical labor is a bit of a conundrum; as anyone who frequents a gym might tell you, there is an irrational reward that comes from muscle exertion. Physical exertion causes the body to release dopamine and serotonin, two chemicals which causes the brain to feel happiness. While there is a technical explanation for the feelings of joy, there is a non-technical, inexplicable element to manual labor that I’ll attempt to honor.
Splitting wood is methodical, slow-going, and monotonous. While there is a mechanical splitter available at the SLA headquarters, I prefer to use a maul (half splitting-axe, half sledgehammer) to get the job done. Not only does it save emissions and my eardrums, but it also enables me to go about my service in a personal and satisfying manner. As anyone who has split wood will tell you, the most appealing moment is when the wood splits in a single swing, and the axe sinks into the stump you are splitting on. The motion, the noise, and product are all inexplicably rewarding.
Removing invasive species is a similar process, one that combines methodical work with significant change and a notable difference. Each member of the LRCC at the SLA has a specific invasive species that they focus on; my invasive is japanese knotweed (check out my video on our Facebook discussing how to identify and remove knotweed), which is an aggressive and dense invasive reminiscent of bamboo.
Removing knotweed is a slow, meticulous, and dirty process that entails digging, pulling, and cutting. The roots can run 20 feet out from the plant and 10 feet deep, so the removal process is intense. However, after completing the initial stages and smothering the ground itself, the satisfaction is undeniable. The feeling is not a logical one, but taking steps back and being able to appreciate the product of intense work is a beautiful moment.
Because I like these weird things, because I enjoy getting dirty splitting wood and pulling invasives, I am nothing but excited for my service with the LRCC and the SLA. Although I have only been here for one month, and two weeks of which were spent isolating myself, I have had numerous positive experiences, both with the tasks and with the people I met through them.
Manual labor and public outreach normally do not go hand-in-hand, but I find that they are a successful pairing that can increase awareness around an issue and drive positive change. While splitting wood next to the SLA boat launch recently, I had a significant conversation with a member about the risks of transporting invasive species through firewood. Activity focusing on invasive species near trailheads and highly frequented areas guarantees interaction with the public, and the magnitude of the impact of invasive species is most clearly demonstrated while standing next to an area where japanese knotweed has overgrown all other plants present. As such, if you ever see me serving, feel free to stop by and ask a question.
I like weird things. I like talking with strangers about invasive species. I like splitting wood by hand, even though a machine is available. I like working with my hands in the dirt all day, removing plants that may grow back within the month. I like clearing water bars and maintaining trails so others can enjoy them to the fullest. Even though I have only been with the SLA and the LRCC for one month, I can confidently say I like what I am doing.
Jack is a Half Time member of the LRCC, serving at the Squam Lakes Association. A New Hampshire native, he recently graduated from Roger Williams University with a degree in Environmental Science. You can learn more about Jack here!