Lauren Berutich
Somebody pinch me! I must be dreaming. Learning hands-on while actually doing work and getting your hands dirty? Communal living, shared responsibilities, open dialogue about environmental issues and concerns, local food systems, inquisitive students, stand up instructors, all taking place on the beautiful and vast landscapes of the Kaibab Plateau? As I squint back into reality, I realize this is not a dream at all, this is my life as a volunteer coordinator for the Grand Canyon Trust. These bright young minds are indeed right in front of me with large, motorized tools; all displaying smiles, and even bigger hearts as they plow through the fence building process on a sunny July day.
The Dorrance Scholars, as they are referred to throughout our three Arizona state universities, have proven themselves through their rigorous academic achievements, their strong ethic for community involvement, assisted by their down-to-earth, bubbly, and strong-willed personalities. These students are all first-generation college students in their families and seem to be taking this world by storm. They joined us with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong motivation to make a difference. The Grand Canyon Trust partnered with Angela Gatto and Dustin Burger from the US Forest Service (USFS) on a fencing project near the North Rim.
There are seventeen natural lakes on the greater North Kaibab landscape negatively impacted by large game and cattle that cause erosion and oxygen depletion in the water. This, in turn, has harmful effects on native plants and wildlife that also try to survive in this unique, riparian ecosystem. The Trust has partnered with USFS over the past few years to build exclosures to prevent further damage from g
razing cattle, while allowing deer and other wildlife to continue to enjoy their natural resources.
East Lake was the last of the seventeen lakes in need of protection. The students worked hard to carry large logs and poles around the lake, and piece-by-piece a gorgeous fence was meticulously built. What a masterpiece. What a huge accomplishment.
In between hammering and hurling heavy loads of old, burnt wood into piles, the students engaged in complex discussions about science and conservation across the Colorado Plateau. They played games, read articles, and participated in observation journaling (what is “observation journaling”?) allowing the natural surroundings to silently guide them.
We are products of what we do. Our actions determine who we are and who we will become. Action makes movement and movement creates change. By immersing oneself in this environment and learning from the surrounding landscape, we are able to find solutions for all life across the Colorado Plateau. Thanks to each and every individual that donated their time, energy and spirit to these important conservation and restoration efforts. You do indeed make a difference.
There are seventeen natural lakes on the greater North Kaibab landscape negatively impacted by large game and cattle that cause erosion and oxygen depletion in the water. This, in turn, has harmful effects on native plants and wildlife that also try to survive in this unique, riparian ecosystem. The Trust has partnered with USFS over the past few years to build exclosures to prevent further damage from g
razing cattle, while allowing deer and other wildlife to continue to enjoy their natural resources.East Lake was the last of the seventeen lakes in need of protection. The students worked hard to carry large logs and poles around the lake, and piece-by-piece a gorgeous fence was meticulously built. What a masterpiece. What a huge accomplishment.
In between hammering and hurling heavy loads of old, burnt wood into piles, the students engaged in complex discussions about science and conservation across the Colorado Plateau. They played games, read articles, and participated in observation journaling (what is “observation journaling”?) allowing the natural surroundings to silently guide them.
We are products of what we do. Our actions determine who we are and who we will become. Action makes movement and movement creates change. By immersing oneself in this environment and learning from the surrounding landscape, we are able to find solutions for all life across the Colorado Plateau. Thanks to each and every individual that donated their time, energy and spirit to these important conservation and restoration efforts. You do indeed make a difference.
Please stay tuned for updates on the second part of the trip involving Upward Bound and North Leupp Family Farm with co-lead Deon Ben. Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment