Good afternoon and welcome back to a hearty season of restoration, data collection, and volunteering! The beginning of March was quite a gift for me and the Kaibab Plateau. Joining us for the very first volunteer trip of the season was Northeastern University from Boston. Heather, their fearless leader, and I had been planning this trip for quite a long time now and then the day finally arrived.
Why is this group so special? They joined us on an alternative spring break tour- each individual student signed up for this service trip without knowing the other participants, donating their time off of school to travel and give back to a place they have never even been before. This was not a trip to the white mountains or the crystal blue waters of Cancun. In fact, they found out how very different the landscape was in comparison the many places on the east coast including their home city of Boston.
The sun was strong and beat down on our working bodies each day with authority. The wind was gusting at sometimes over 50 mph. The dust filled their tents each day and the cool nights chilled their tired selves. The arid climate dried out their skin and lips. But, this amazing group of volunteers proceeded on throughout the week with smiles, enthusiasm, and a motivation to work hard...And it wasn't so bad. The smell of coffee greeted the waking volunteers each morning and the sandwich spread was something to brag about. The evenings were filled with games, laughter, chocolate, and even a presentation from Chris Parish of the Peregrine Fund. The work each day proved to be meaningful and significant.
Why is this group so special? They joined us on an alternative spring break tour- each individual student signed up for this service trip without knowing the other participants, donating their time off of school to travel and give back to a place they have never even been before. This was not a trip to the white mountains or the crystal blue waters of Cancun. In fact, they found out how very different the landscape was in comparison the many places on the east coast including their home city of Boston.
The sun was strong and beat down on our working bodies each day with authority. The wind was gusting at sometimes over 50 mph. The dust filled their tents each day and the cool nights chilled their tired selves. The arid climate dried out their skin and lips. But, this amazing group of volunteers proceeded on throughout the week with smiles, enthusiasm, and a motivation to work hard...And it wasn't so bad. The smell of coffee greeted the waking volunteers each morning and the sandwich spread was something to brag about. The evenings were filled with games, laughter, chocolate, and even a presentation from Chris Parish of the Peregrine Fund. The work each day proved to be meaningful and significant.
So here's to Northeastern University- For being brave and stepping out their comfort zones- Here's to the sharing of ideas from physical therapy to advertising angles. Here's to new friends and curious students. Here's to the grand connection with a landscape rich in diversity and new stewards of restoration.
Northeastern, I'll leave you with a recipe hint as promised. Happy camping, exploring, and cooking! Veganaise, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, thyme, and basil...the perfect dressing for an organic, locally flavored veggie pasta salad. Bon apetite!
For more information on volunteer opportunities visit our website http://www.gctvolunteers.org and to see more photos of this trip visit our flickr account http://www.flickr.com/
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