SCA member learns about life "on top" at Mount Rainier

Julia Sievert, Mount Rainier Ambassador, Conservation Leadership Corps member

I once believed that humans were meant to be "on top." "On top" of the food chain, "on top" of the intellectual pyramid, "on top" of evolution. I thought humans were the most evolved, most supreme living beings and that they were the most important part of this world; my world.

But recently I have discovered otherwise.

I have realized that I am not so important after all. I am an intelligent human being, but who is to say that other living things are less intelligent or in any way less important? As expressed so well in the Lion King, we are all a part of this circle of life. I am a part of the world along with the birds in the sky, the animals on land, and the fish in the sea. I am not "on top," I am not here to rule, I am simply a small integral part of this huge, incomprehensible whole.

While on a trail crew in Mount Rainier National Park, I took a break from my work and wondered over to a cliff edge. I found myself looking at the bigger picture. I saw a raven fly through the brilliant blue summer sky and land on an ancient tree standing on a steep slope across the Nisqually River from where I stood. The water below, white with speed, curved its way down the valley floor. I imagined fish swimming through these treacherous waters and a bear waiting down stream to capture its prey. I saw this picture and realized that my ideology had changed. Had it been that moment, or a gradual change? I cannot be sure. But I realized that I no longer believed that I am "on top" in any way.

I backed away from the cliff edge and turned toward my partner. We were digging for mineral soil to fill the newly dug tread on a Wonderland Trail reroute. In many ways, building a trail through previously unimpaired wilderness seemed wrong. But if it allows for thousands of people to access this beautiful place and take from the experience a greater appreciation for nature, then building trails is a wonderful thing. 

On our recreational trip, we hiked up from Paradise to Pebble Creek. The day we chose turned out to be a cloudy day, but it was all for the better. As we climbed higher, the clouds thinned and we saw the mountain for the first time that day. The air was cold and fresh and the glacier-covered mountain had a looming presence. Only halfway through our hike, the views were already breathtaking.  When we arrived at Pebble Creek, elevation 7200 ft, I felt as though I could reach out and touch the summit. I yearned to be on top of the mountain. And in this sense, being “on top” would mean being on top of everything I see. But I imagine it would also be a sobering experience. One in which I would not only feel like a small part of this Mountain, Park, and World, but I would simultaneously be truly on top.

Because of this experience on Mount Rainier, I have learned a lot about myself; I have become a better person. I find myself ever more grateful to the SCA. This program has allowed me to explore myself and continually rediscover the importance of taking care of this planet. I may be small on the whole scheme of things, but I am important. I have an impact. I am a human and I am capable of great things. I am an animal and I belong to the land. I will live and I will die. I am perfect.

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