The majority of my work as a Field Ranger Intern here on the Siuslaw National Forest is devoted to public outreach and education. During the busy summer months, the Forest Service organizes weekly programs, guided hikes, and special events. The events with the biggest turn out tend to be evening Read more…
Edder Antunez: World Migratory Bird Day planner extraordinaire!!! My colleague, good friend, and fellow EFTA intern did a fabulous job planning a well-rounded event. To help execute his impeccable plan, Edder recruited two other EFTA interns, also stationed in Oregon, Araceli and Christian, as well as three Student Conservation Read more…
“Interpretation should instill in people the ability, and the desire, to sense the beauty in their surroundings-to provide spiritual uplift and to encourage resource preservation.” -The Gifts of Interpretation by Beck, Larry, and Ted Cable Certified Interpretive Guide. Sounds official, don’t it? It is I, Christine Smith, Read more…
The Central Oregon Coast is a unique place. I could tell by my first day on the job, even though I was tired out of my mind from traveling. I arrived right in the middle of a week-long training, introducing me and my fellow Field Ranger Interns to the Siuslaw Read more…
Right out of the gate, blasted into beautiful Baja. Two days after arriving in Ensenada, we began a two-week long trip (deemed “Gordi-tour”) to whale breeding ground/mangrove/pristine beach/wetland marsh/sand dune/desert/lichen-covered volcanic mountains. Unreal. The goal of our journey was to assist in bird surveys that have been going Read more…
“Look closely at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular environment in which it has survived. Who are we to destroy or even diminish biodiversity?” – Edward Owen Wilson I’m baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Hi! My name is Christine and I’m an aspiring biologist and conservationist. Back in Read more…
People were just as psyched about fungi in Cordova as they were in Girdwood. This week’s Cordova Fungus Festival was delightful. People are fungus fanatics, and this festival was the perfect venue for them to fly their fungal flag high. Forays, a recipe swap, a mushroomer’s wine and cheese mixer Read more…
This is my view as I write this post… I just spent nine days in the beautiful town of Girdwood, Alaska. This year’s Fungus Fair was the best they’ve had in a while. An explosion of fungi! Last year was considered a “bad year,” because there was not too much Read more…