Happy New Year from the Mojave!

The winter has been a mild one here compared to the frigid January temps we had last year. Though we have still received some snow around the area! The field office has slowed down quite a bit over the holidays. It was pleasant to see things slow down a bit and enjoy the area over this holiday. It was amazing seeing the valley and surrounding mountains covered in snow as I was leaving for the Thanksgiving break. It doesn’t snow in the valley often so it was a thrill to drive through the snow and rain for a solid 6 hours In The DESERT! Bring on the precipitation!

The Holiday was filled with many parties before slowing down over the break. The office had a really nice Christmas party and a farewell to one of the Law Enforcement officers. It was followed by an evening of bowling. It was a treat to be able to enjoy and chat with everyone in a more casual setting. I also helped with the Christmas Party for the Student Conservation crews. We had dinner and desert prepared for about 25 crew members/leaders and all enjoyed an evening of homemade gift exchanges and conversation. The gift exchange was by far the highlight of the night. The crew members all drew names for gifts. All the gifts had to be made from scraps that had been discovered in the desert over the past few months. They were all so unique and hilarious! Definitely a highlight of the evening.

It has been such a pleasure to continue my close connection with the SCA Desert Restoration Corps in my current position. I led one of the work crews last year and worked closely with the BLM. It’s been great to be able to assist the crews and leaders with information, projects, and general orientation to the area. Last year I experienced land management from the field and daily restoration work. Now, I have been given the opportunity to see things from the larger management perspective. I have enjoyed learning about all the pieces that are balanced and juggled in a land management agency. I have enjoyed the work that I have completed in the wilderness areas. I have been able to be out in the field gathering data and seeing the actual condition of the land. It has really allowed me to connect with each area that I am surveying and to see it’s unique beauty. The freedom I have been given to oversee field work and projects has been amazing. I have enjoyed the freedom of discovering these lands and learning to view them through the world of use and protection. I have learned a lot through the combination of field monitoring and GIS mapping. I look forward to continuing to work in both areas. I am also looking forward to learning a bit about grant writing and wilderness inventory reports in the next few months.

I am very thankful for the last 5 months here in Ridgecrest. It has been fun and educational. I am so glad that I do not have to say goodbye right now and that I get to continue working with everyone here. It has been awesome getting to know everyone in the office and I have made some good friends. A big thanks to everyone who has supported me through this internship, this includes those in the Ridgecrest Field office and those with the Chicago Botanic Garden. Thanks for making this position available! And a special thank you to Dana for finding a way to keep me on!!! I have sincerely enjoyed the last 5 months and look forward to the next 5!