What does it mean to engage in conservation service? That is a question I have been exploring throughout my entire AmeriCorps term with Green Mountain Conservation Group, which is soon coming to a close. It is a question I will continue to explore in my future as my career continues. It is not an easy question to answer. Any holistic answer to that question requires a multi-faceted look at what it means to serve the community through environmental conservation.
I’ve always been someone who favors hands-on, outdoor-based, research-focused activities and endeavors. I think it is for this reason that I have found the summer here in New Hampshire to be particularly enjoyable. The moment May 1st rolled around, GMCG began at least 4 ongoing research projects that I am lucky to have a lot of responsibility in. Our RIVERS stream sampling project with volunteers has been a ton of fun, and getting to interact with our 20+ volunteers on a weekly basis has been fantastic. Getting out on the boat to conduct water quality monitoring on several lakes in our region is always a highlight. Going out into the field to assess different stream crossings across the watershed has been eye-opening to say the least. And finally, being a part of a brand new project on microplastic accumulation in the watershed has involved me in a lot of troubleshooting trial and error moments, which if we are being honest, is scientific research at its core.
I always tell others, I would take a long day out in the field over a day in the office, and being out in the field so much this summer has been a huge blessing. Not to mention the summer weather (mostly) allowing for weekend hiking trips and extended periods of time outdoors exploring the beautiful scenery here in New Hampshire (like this spectacular sunset just below Mount Madison).
Conservation service is definitely about the outdoor hands-on stuff that pops into my brain immediately when I think about why I love this career field. I think that was mostly the perspective I came into this program with. However, the last 10 months has certainly deepened my understanding and appreciation.
When we think about service, I think we mostly imagine the direct interaction we have with someone else or another group of people, and the ways in which we can help them. When that service, however, is aimed at the natural world, it adds another dimension that I think is so important. To me, service is about helping those who are in need, not for the sake of seeking something in return or some favor later down the road; but just helping because it is the right thing to do. The natural world is an entity that is in need. It has a voice that has been suppressed for centuries, it is often overlooked and ignored. Who is listening to the planet, the aquifer, the forests, the ecosystems?
It’s a bit ironic to be involved in environmental service, hoping to help out a planet in crisis, that is only in crisis because we have put it there. Is it really our place to fix it? Have we shown the ability to successfully right our wrongs as a human race? That’s a totally different discussion, but nonetheless I think a collective effort focused on restoration is what conservation service is all about. How can we restore what has been lost and/or broken?
I think a great place to start is simply learning to have a posture of gratitude. We can give back to the natural world by actively and responsibly enjoying our time out in it. I can’t tell you how many friends have spoken to me about how their time spent outdoors noticing the birds and the trees has really changed their lives. This has been true for me as well. Every time I go hiking, I see it as a way to give thanks for the mountains and amazing landscapes we have the privilege of exploring. Sharing gratitude with others can also foster a great community.
I am extremely thankful for the Lakes Region Conservation Corps and Green Mountain Conservation Group, for giving me the opportunity to conduct conservation service for the last 10 months. The AmeriCorps members, staff, volunteers, have all been amazing and supportive. I will look back on this year with a deep appreciation for every experience, the good and the difficult.
Trent has completed a full term of service at Green Mountain Conservation Group! Next, he is on his way to Pennsylvania to join another AmeriCorps program focused on environmental stewardship. Learn more about Trent here!