About a month ago I threw my cat and as many needed possessions as possible into my small car and drove from IL to Arcata, CA.  That was an experience in itself, anyone who has the opportunity to make that trip should definitely do it!  My last three weeks have been amazing.  Settling into a new enviornment, both biological and the psychological switch out of a small close knit college life, has had it’s ups and downs. 

The BLM office is filled with friendly people, all with their own area of expertise.  So far I have been working with the archeologist, surveying archeological sites and reading up on the Native American and early settlement history of Humbolt County.  Throughout my months here I will work on at least three different projects dealing with archeology, soil errosion and plant monitoring, and there have already been several opportunities to sit in on GIS organization meetings and volunteer at fesitvals and elk habitat restoration projects. 

The wildlife here is abundant.  Everything from rattle snakes to bears can been seen while driving to field sites.  Walking along the beach, tide pools and sealions are easy to find.  Each day is something new and exciting for a Midwest raised girl to find.  It’ll be fun to see how the rest of this internship develops!  Hopefully I’ll have some pictures by the next time I post.

Mindy Miller, Arcata, CA Bureau of Land Management