Monday, September 29, 2008

National Public Lands Day

Making A Difference Seed By Seed
By Lauren Berutich

"Mom, I really want to do this seeding project for National Public Lands Day. Can we go?"
"I would have to look at it and see what it is all about."

"Ok great, I book marked it for you on your computer. We can sign up when you're done reading."


This was part of a conversation that leads me to, once again, brag about an inspirational weekend with volunteers. What a wonderful way to spend time on the Kaibab Plateau. Friday afternoon we met at the Grand Canyon Trust to pack up the trucks and head east towards the Colorado River. The red sandstone walls looked magical against a stormy, grey clouded sky. The conversation in the car happened to be led by a ten year old, 5th grade student from Phoenix sitting shotgun next to me. He had signed himself and his mom up for National Public Lands Day after he had read about the event in a children's National Geographic magazine. That story alone is enough to turn a field lady such as myself into a mushy story passalonger. This young man and his mom drove hours to join us in something that was extremely new to them and they did it with smiles and bells on. The youth continue to prove that we can and are making a difference each day we reach out both educationally and through hands on conservation activity.

We gathered at the Lee's Ferry Lodge http://www.leesferrylodge.com/ to eat some great food, play a little pool, and learn about our volunteer group. Lastly, off to the Check Station to settle in for the weekend and prepare for the next day. Thanks to Andi Rogers, AZ Game and Fish Habitat Specialist, for her hard work in organizing this seeding project as well as for her amazing power point presentation on the specifics of the work.


Not only did we work in collaboration with AZ Game and Fish, but on Saturday we were joined by two members of the Forest Service as well who worked diligently in the field, raking seed and shuttling cliff rose buckets to other volunteer workers spread out across the Westside. In one full day of work, we managed to plant over 150 pounds of native seed in two plots covering over 40 acres.


What is the meaning of National Public Lands Day to me? An opportunity to cross over boarders with other conservation and government organizations, demonstrate teamwork, act in the restoration of our beautiful public lands, and share an appreciation for one another while walking on lands that are cherished by many. It is a time to become stewards of the Kaibab Plateau and to remind ourselves of the endless work that can be done to continue to restore and protect these beautiful landscapes throughout the entire country.

So thank you to a yoga instructor, a geologist, a data analysist, a novelist, a navy engineer, a great co-worker, a habitat specialist, a wildlife manager, and two stewards of the national forest. Together we worked in improving biodiversity on our nation's public lands and truly made a difference.


ps...The pear pies with the extra buttery crust are on their way!



If you are interested in continuing this work, the Grand Canyon Trust Volunteer Program is leading another project with the AZ Game and Fish for Mule Deer Habitat restoration on Novemeber 3-7. Sign up online at http://www.gctvolunteers.org/.
























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