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!
On my way to work today, I swerved to avoid hitting a box turtle that was crossing the road. I ended up pulling onto the shoulder, intending to help move the turtle along before anything bad happened. Unfortunately, before I had the chance, a van came rushing down the road at the 50 mph speed limit. The thought of waving at them to slow down crossed my mind, but I didn't want to risk getting hit, so I hoped that they would miss the turtle. They didn't. An easily avoidable collision had the poor turtle being knocked back several feet. It remained upright, though, and continued crossing the road, this time with a limp. I made sure it made it before leaving, but I was pretty much on the verge of tears. Turtles may not have the knowledge of the fact that roads are traveled upon by people who are too caught up in rushing to get everywhere, but that's why its our job to watch out for them. If it had been a person who had been crossing the road and gotten hit, there would have been serious consequences. But it was just a turtle and that's where it ends. As sappy as this incident may sound, it reminded me why I'm in the field of environmental education. I want people to learn about the rest of the organisms that make up this world. I want people to realize that, just like everything else, the world was not made for us; we were made for this world. We are all intended to be part of a greater community, and I'm glad I can be a part of teaching people that.
Spending time here at another refuge, I can't help but recall memories made at the first refuge I interned at last fall: Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, located in South Texas. It's been almost a year, and I still get excited thinking of all that I was able to experience. I'm originally from South Texas, so the area wasn't as much of a culture shock as it could have been. My internship was mainly visitor services and outreach events, which had me running the Visitor Center a lot and also promoting the refuge in various locations. I was also able to be a tour guide on the tram that traveled the wildlife drive. I had originally hoped to have more experience with educating, working with schools in the area, but I was happy to have done what I was able to do. I also had the privilege of creating a refuge event that had never been done before. It was a lot of work but totally worth it! I appeared on TV to promote the event, which was a bit nerve-wracking, but many people showed up, and the kids all really enjoyed it. I'm hoping my experience here at Forsythe NWR will be just as memorable. Below are some photos from my adventures in Texas!
Map of Santa Ana
One of two towers on the refuge
Spanish moss
Cemetery on the refuge
Me with the Blue Goose at RGV Birding Festival
Face make-up to be an ocelot!
Getting ready for a Christmas parade
Giving a tour
Discussing invasive plants
Talking about cats
Dressed up for the scavenger hunt!
Video of myself and another intern promoting the refuge scavenger hunt
