A Season to Give Thanks by Lauren Berutich

Our last trip of the 2009 field season and what a wonderful experience it was. I always get all warm and fuzzy around this time of year. The airs cool inviting a new season into our lives, the trees shed their old leaves and prepare for their winter slumbering, and people tend to slow down a bit recognizing their gratitude. We thank one another more frequently, embrace our neighbors and connections with our community, generously provide to those less fortunate. (I'm not going to lie to you, it is also a time of great food and NY Giants football!) On November 12, 11 members of Verde Valley School met me in Cameron to carpool to Kane Ranch for the next 5 days together. They were high school volunteers led by their teachers, Forrest and Bart, on their winter break established for exploring and service projects. We arrived at Kane, set up tents, and began getting to know one another.

What an amazing group of enthusiastic, hard working students. As we shared and learned from one another, I realized how lucky we all are to be here together, connecting and exploring the beautiful landscapes we hope to protect. Each individual on the trip taught me something new and as I attempted to do the same, a creative energy began to bloom and the week's gifts continued to move me.

We did great work, but it was not easy. The volunteers helped clean almost 30 pounds (5 burlap sacks worth) of collected Fourwing Saltbush so that the seeds will be ready for next season's planting. They built the boxes, created the tools, and diligently worked through dust and allergies until all the bags were treated and complete. It was amazing!

To clear our heads a bit, we returned into the field for a day and a half of seed collection. November is a great time to do so as the seeds are dry and ready to flow off of the plant and into our collection bags. We now have five more bags ready for our partners on this project, Arizona Game and Fish Department.


As I sat around the dinner table and learned how to speak the names of my vegetables in 4 different languages, I realized my job is one of the greatest jobs in the world. The gratification of my work is incredible, the meaningful on-the-ground trips we participate in truly make a difference in restoring these gorgeous Colorado Plateau landscapes. The curious eyes, the fantastic smiles on the volunteers, and the amazing questions asked as we explore the new ecosystem allows us all to connect a little deeper with the places we cherish and love so much. Hurray for our new land stewards!

Thanks, once again, for partnering with our organization and showing me the Kaibab Plateau for the first time all over again. Have a wonderful holiday. We sure are thankful for our volunteer community and each new experience encountered! Fore more information on our program and how to get involved please visit http://www.grandcanyontrust.org/ or call 928-774-7488. Don't forget to check out our photo gallery as well for more wonderful shots of the volunteer experience out at Kane.

Cheers,

Lauren