I will be done with my CLM internship next week and have had some time to reflect on my time in Lander. \u00a0Over all this has been an incredibly enriching experience that has benefited me in a multitude of ways. \u00a0When I drove across the I-90 in May I was able to see my surrounding change from the familiar lush hills of Appalachia to the plains and prairies of the mid-west and finally settling into the less familiar high deserts and mountains of Wyoming. \u00a0The trees were gone and there was a strange aroma in the air (I soon identified that smell as artemisia tridentata<\/em>). \u00a0 Due to the nature of my SOS position I was able to dive right into a botanical smorgasbord of 2.5 million acres! \u00a0I had the unique opportunity to connect the biological dots and get a better understanding of how plants are related, how different plants adapt to radically different ecosystems, and gain a greater appreciation of the diversity of life. \u00a0I was also able to experience the life of a BLMer. \u00a0I was able to go out with different people and get valuable experience in range-land monitoring, wildlife monitoring, a ton of GIS experience, and even some weed and pest work. \u00a0It was helpful for me to talk with them about their career choices and listen to their candid advice about working for the government and working in the sciences. \u00a0There is absolutely no question in my mind that my experience here has given me the tools to advance myself in the elusive world of gainful employment.<\/p>\n Believe it or not, I did not just collect seeds for the entire time I have been out here. \u00a0Living in Wyoming has been an interesting experience that I never thought I would have and will never forget. \u00a0If biology has taught me anything about survival, it has taught me to adapt or die, so adapt I did! \u00a0Some serious highlights include the 4th of July celebrations in Lander. \u00a0A parade, a rodeo, more fireworks than my little heart could imagine, and a hike with fellow CLMers that culminated in a jaw-dropping mountain stream rockslide…I can honestly say I have never felt so patriotic. \u00a0I also had a great time getting to know the town and its people by being a die hard garage sale picker. \u00a0Let me tell you, there are some good deals in these garages. \u00a0The garage sales were so bountiful that it got me out of my house at 8am every Saturday morning and all of my Christmas shopping is done! \u00a0I was also able to take advantage of Lander’s convenient location just a few hours away from Grand Teton and \u00a0Yellowstone National Park, minutes from the Wind River Range and immersed \u00a0in natural wonders.<\/p>\n All in all, my experience working with the BLM and the Chicago Botanic Garden has given me great experience and incite. \u00a0I have recommended this program to many peers and appreciate all of the people that work to make it happen.<\/p>\n Thanks again.<\/p>\n Usher clear.<\/p>\n Emily Usher – Bureau of Land Management – Lander, Wyoming<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Today will forever be remembered as a great day in the world of seed collecting! \u00a0I have finished picking, sacking, packing and sending all of my late bloomers and am happy to add 13 new collections to my list and … Continue reading ![\"IMG_1006\"](\"https:\/\/dev-clm-blog.pantheonsite.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/IMG_1006.jpg\")
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