“The closest I could come to describe the experience I have is probably what teenage boys feel like making crop circles in a corn field, almost degenerate-like. But mix that with the feeling of doing something very productive and you get a- helpful degenerate?”

“The SLA is dedicated to conserving for public benefit the natural beauty, peaceful character and resources of the watershed. If not to notice the moments that make you feel alive, awed, calm, then what for?”

“Sometimes I’ve felt like giving up, and that my efforts feel just like a drop in the bucket compared to what needs to be done to save our ecosystems. In the midst of this, I came around to a more positive outlook, and decided that every invasive plant removed is one step in the right direction for the health of our world, and that if I want our forests to stay as marvelous as those on the rest of the Red Hill range, then this is the way to help. “

“ I have slowly come to the realization that there are as many flavors of nonprofits as there are communities. Every one of those initiatives begins at the level of the individual, and here in Squam, the individual cares.”

It’s moments like these that we often take for granted. Small little stories being told in each whisper the wind puts in our ear. Soaking in small tales told by wildlife and plants, dipping their pins in ink each morning or before sunset.

Conserving the beautiful ecosystem in this region for the enjoyment of future generations takes many hands. And to many who might be reading this, thank you for your help!

A theme that keeps popping up in our discussions during the LRCC on-boarding process is the vibrancy of the conservation community in this area and the depth of care for the lands and waters that sustain it.

As an AmeriCorps member, we are supposed to lead by example, however a big part of that is recognizing all of the other great examples around you, and adjusting yourself to be the best leader (or follower) you can be.  That’s the greatness in community; there are examples all around that can guide you and help you improve in challenging areas.

Interpersonal connections make us stronger and help us reach farther than possible alone. So while I’m nervous to start a new term and saddened by the thought of saying goodbye to the summer crew, I’m grateful for the many opportunities we’ve shared together. I know that this isn’t really goodbye, and that my network is growing.

Fun fact: I’m what some people would consider a “hardcore” Lord of the Rings fan. As a child growing up in the typically flat lands of Finland and Florida, my eyes always grew wide in wonder at the descriptions of traversing mountaintops, battling orcs, and facing countless dangers through rain or shine with a band of merry, trusted companions. Well my dreams came true in a way during the week we spent preparing for our annual Squam Ridge Race.