The CLM workshop was a whirlwind of new people and information. The Janet Meakin Poor Research symposium on Monday was when I realized that I was exactly where I need to be. As I sat and listened to the speakers and questions from the audience it hit me that this internship, this workshop, the connections I’m making, all of it is setting me up for the next step in my career. While I may not know what that is at the moment, I can at least rest assured that I am heading in the right direction. It was inspiring to get to meet the garden staff and symposium speakers, and to talk to them about their career paths. I also had to stop and appreciate being surrounded by my fellow botany nerds. I think my favorite quote from this past week was born from a discussion about the genus Calochortus during breakfast where I overheard someone exclaim, “But LOOK at those anthers!”

There were two main challenges associated with the workshop. First, was the struggle of going from constantly being on the move all day to sitting in a classroom the majority of the day. However, all the session leaders did a great job in keeping everyone engaged, and working in humor when they could. Second, I am concerned now that I am back in Shoshone that I was spoiled with all the food. I’ll have to start stepping up my field lunches, or I will be severely disappointed every time I open my lunch box!

Thursday’s vegetation monitoring exercise.

Happy Trails to you,

Abby Goszka

Shoshone Field Office