So this summer I find myself in Rawlins, Wyoming working with the Seeds of Success program out of the Rawlins BLM field office. The SOS project will entail collecting seeds from various species of forbs, grasses and shrubs for purposes of land reclamation and restoration. Rawlins is a high plains desert area with various species of sagebrush as its most prominent vegetation and though it might not seem like it at a glance, there is plenty more hidden throughout the landscape and underneath the brush. Since the mountains and hill sides have few trees, the baldness of the land allows for each depression and contour to be plainly visible from a distance giving the land a very strong and majestic presence. I find this quality absolutely intriguing and I enjoy every second spent outdoors surrounded by the emanating beauty of nature…

Our first couple weeks were spent preparing for field work and getting to know some of the area. Up to now me and my partner have been out several days looking for suitable plant populations to collect from and I never thought that finding wild flowers could be so exciting!! I feel like a child on an Easter egg hunt and every time I spot a target species I’m filled with the same ecstatic feeling. Each new species that we spot is like the discovery of a hidden treasure. Now that the springtime bloom is sweeping the land I can hardly bare the days spent in the office catching up on data entry and management. I am certain that this summer will be filled with exciting challenges and fulfilling accomplishments.