The summer has come to an unofficial end, and I have departed the New Jersey area for home and then senior year. Waking up this morning, I could have almost pretended that the past 12 weeks had never happened. But my slowly fading tan, new shorebird knowledge, and slightly more confident attitude say otherwise. A year ago, I would have never thought to end up in NJ for a summer working an interp/education position. I couldn't be more happy that that's how things ended up, though. I talked to over 100 people a day sometimes and led several guided walks throughout the summer. I learned how the process of goose banding works, how forests and salt marshes can be surveyed, and what is involved in searching and monitoring nesting birds. I can now confidently spout facts to anybody who asks about an endangered bird named piping plover, and I've gotten better at engaging all ages in learning about a wilderness area. I also successfully put together a senior project idea, with the help of some friends. This summer was truly amazing, and I hope the rest of this year and the school year are equally enjoyable! Below are some pictures of my last weeks.
Picking up trash was never fun but always important!
Some of the amazing people I got to work with!
I think they all enjoyed my walks a lot more than I realized.
Working in the salt marsh was fun.
I didn't get to play in the forest nearly as much as I wanted to!
Cute least tern chick.
