When you go to a gym, you go to train your muscles - to improve your physical strength. Going to a gym to train is also a mental break - a break from any brain work. I mindlessly listen to music or have easy-going conversations with my friends between sets. However, lately, I have found myself “training” my brain with a sudoku puzzle between my sets! Sudoku is relaxing, but it is not quite a mindless activity.
I mention my new training regimen of mind training between my strength training because it reminds me of conservation work. It was a lot of physical work for the first couple of months serving with the Lakes Regions Conservation Corps. I was moving 100 lb logs, hiking up trails to remove blow-downs, shoveling snow, carrying docks and picnic tables from one side of campus to another, chopping firewood, removing invasive species, and so on. But these past two months, I have had opportunities to use my brain and make an impact through environmental education and terrestrial invasive species management. When not moving heavy things, I am researching the best methods to remove terrestrial invasive plants or writing engaging Adventure Ecology plans. When my body is not at work, my brain is at work!
At the end of January, I presented an Adventure Ecology program called “Polar Explorer Crash Course.” Participants came to the SLA, and I taught them how to encounter the winter outdoors safely by explaining winter injuries, proper gear, and how to prepare appropriately. I set up a table with all my personal gear and walked the guests through each item: why I chose the item and its functionality. I then took the participants to Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest, and we hiked through the recently fallen snow to one of the campsites. There I demonstrated winter backcountry fire building in case of an emergency. I used fire starters but showed my guests natural firestarters like leaves and flaky bark. I still remember my students' awe when they watched me successfully light the fire in the snow. This Adventure Ecology program was very meaningful because sharing my expertise with people is rewarding, especially if it helps them stay safe and feel more confident to go outdoors!
Another rewarding Adventure Ecology program I hosted was called “An Evergreen Scene,” where I would teach students how to differentiate between red pine, white pine, and hemlock. However, no one registered for this program, and the sky was gray and dreary, so I did not expect anyone to show up. I set up my program anyways: I placed evergreen tree coloring sheets, colored pencils, and tree identification guides on a table with a few chairs. I waited, cozied up by the fireplace, working on some training materials on my computer. To my surprise, a couple walked in and asked, “is this where the evergreen program is being held?” I jumped to my feet, excited and feeling slightly underprepared because I did not expect anyone to attend.
The couple listened carefully to the information I shared about the three trees, then pleasantly, to my surprise, they started asking questions about other ecological concepts. Our conversation moved from tree identification of the evergreens to forest ecology concepts, broader tree identification skills, and invasive species identification and eradication. Many of my studies include invasive species ecology, so I helped the couple identify invasive species they thought were on their property. They asked me for information on removing the invasive species, and I was excited to give them some advice and influence them to plant native species instead. I was moved by the couple’s decision to remove the invasive species on their property and help the environment to the best of their ability. My Adventure Ecology program, “An Evergreen Scene,” had an incredibly unexpected turnout, and it felt amazing to share my knowledge and help others improve the environment.
As a Lakes Region Conservation Corps member, I am a trail crew worker, a property manager, a plow truck driver, a water quality monitor, and a handywoman. But I am also a naturalist, an invasive species ecologist, an outdoor hiker connoisseur, and a writer. There are many more skills I can add to those lists. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have had thus far serving with the Squam Lakes Association, and I am stoked to see what other skills and titles I will acquire by the end of my service term!
After service hours, you might find Shannon testing out new gluten free recipes. She makes a mean sugar cookie! You can learn more about Shannon here.