It’s surreal to see “0 hours remaining” in my time sheet submission box. I have been reading old blogs and reflecting on my experience, noting that the reader is a different person than the author was. I scrutinize my writing as a better scientist now and ask questions that I didn’t know to ask before. Granted I’m just now approaching the learning curve here in my final weeks as an intern, (I guess that’s normal for seasonal work). So much to learn!
I started out so ambitious and motivated. I was keying out a plant a day in my spare time, researching on my time off. By the end of June, it dawned on my that most BLM offices are below 7500 ft. in the western deserts of the country, things I knew but didn’t really consider. It’s hot out there! I learned the importance of taking personal time seriously, cooling off, chilling out. Four, ten-hour shifts are enough time spent practicing your trade.
I feel very lucky in the sense that my work here has been so varied. I have touched every aspect of the scientific process including data collection, data entry, and data analysis. I’ve accomplished this using various tools: maps, gps, ArcMap, excel, access, and Avenza, to name a few. We have performed at least half a dozen different types of monitoring techniques on a regular basis. I’ve learned very applicable skills and also very practical things, like how to dress and prepare properly while working in the field, how much water to bring to work, and the beauty of large brimmed goofy hats.
My favorite part of this work is watching all the components come together. Lately, we have been working on the big cactus project with Sclerocactus glaucus, the Colorado Hookless Cactus. In short, there is hopes to de-list this species. My job was to compile the geospatial data from 3 field offices and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program in ArcMap. The GIS specialist and I spent nearly a month fine tuning this data so we could get it down to one workable layer. Through this experience, (by which an entire blog could be written) I went from having no knowledge base in ArcMap to being semi-competent with it.
When we were finally able to pull a random sample, we got to actually go out in the field and put it to work. Last week we went out to do point-in-time monitoring with Carol Dawson and her crew from the state office, and the ladies from the Grand Junction Field Office. I spend my time in the office looking at the old data, finding the best numbers and dates to determine which point we will visit next. It is incredible. I am being challenged and having so much fun.
One recommendation that I will abide by next season is to JOURNAL EVERY DAY!!! I have done so many things this season that I have forgotten. Especially these big projects need to be documented on a daily basis. I will be religious about this in the future.
I already can’t wait for next season. I have so much to build on the knowledge base I’ve acquired here at the Uncompahgre Field Office. I’m leaving with a fresh feeling of just getting started, which is more than I could’ve asked for. My experience with CLM has been PRICELESS. THANK YOU!
Sclerocactus glaucus, “the most expensive easter egg hunt in the world”
Sunset over Crawford, Gunnison Sage Grouse habitat
Carol Dawson, Phil Krenning, Robyn Oster, and My Finger, easter-egg (cactus) hunting in a rocky patch of opuntia
Cheers!
Misty Sanone
Uncompahgre Field Office
Montrose, CO