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Alternative Spring Break 2011

Submitted by sandra on Tue, 03/08/2011 - 21:42

The Florida National Scenic Trail is more than 1,400 miles long, extends the length of the state, connects Florida wilderness areas and unique habitats, and provides low impact access to wildlife and amazing migrating birds. Launched in 1966, it is almost complete but there are still sections where thru hikers must use blazed roadwalks.

Now, thanks to 30 college students who are giving up their spring break to work on an SCA trail crew, and with generous support for this Alternative Spring Break from American Eagle Outfitters, there is now a trail where earlier this week there was only saw palmetto and other dense prickly vegetation.

Led by expert SCA field leaders, they’ve lopped and brushed, dug the top line, and cut the tread -- in the heat, with mosquitos buzzing, but with some fun and a definite sense of satisfaction for a job going well, and quickly.

According to SCA’s Brian Doughty, it’s a dream trail project – level, dry, and soft – with ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss to wind a gracious path around. And a dream team, who quickly learned the knack of deftly and safely using pick mattocks, loppers, pulaskis, trenching shovels, hack saws, and grubbers.

Why do they care and work so hard? One student her application essay, wrote, “It’s important to provide access to the beauty of the land.” Another suggested that getting people out on the land might convert them into being supporters of efforts to conserve and protect it. Another noted that trails limit impact and are an important element in conservation and preservation.

Cricket Wise of Charleston, SC, said of Tuesday’s work, “The coolest thing happened. We came up to a stand of thick brush and vines. I thought we’d never make it through and into a trail. But 15-20 minutes later with all of us working, there was a clear path.” She said this climbing up into the large white SCA van at the end of the day, hair plastered to her forehead, dirty, and happy.

Next up? Constructing a punchion boardwalk over a bog. Bring on those 8 lb sledge hammers for the rebar, the timber carriers for the sills, the tamping bars and hammers. Stay tuned for the next episode of Alternative Spring Break 2011. And, thank you, American Eagle Outfitters for making it possible!

Congratulations To SCA Founder

Submitted by Barry Nilson (not verified) on Sat, 10/29/2011 - 09:57.

Congratulations Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam, SCA Founder for your vision and service to our nation by founding the SCA.

I learned about the SCA when vacationing across the U.S. in 1969 with my parents. We met an SCA College Park Assistant. My Dad kept the SCA literature knowing I would apply to a program when older.

The SCA turned me down when I first applied to a high school program at age 16 in 1972. I did not give up on the SCA and applied the next year and was selected to go to RMNP, Colorado in 1973. I performed well enough during the first week among the fifteen members of our crew, that Len and Jane Price, Group Leaders asked me to return as SCA paid staff - Assistant Group Leader for the 1974 summer program. I remember a fun visit with Jack Dolstad, SCA President who drove me down to the Denver airport when summer was over.

During my first SCA summer I met the late Dennis Nicholls (SCA Alumi)who followed me to school in Montana and we became as brothers. Dennis worked for the Forest Service then became Editor of The River Journal newspaper he founded in the Cabinet Mountains of western Montana. Dennis became a published author of two trail guide books about the Cabinet Mountains but died of a rare blood disease in 2009. I have a letter from Mrs. Putnam she sent to the Nicholls family about Dennis.

SCA staff and RMNP staff suggested I attend college in Montana so I did. I went on to secure a job with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - full time permanent in 1978 when President Jimmy Carter had ordered a federal hiring freeze except for vacancies necessary to be filled. I have countless stories how the SCA changed my life direction. BUT the greatest power available to American youth is vision to change one's life direction and the SCA provides that vision like no other organization I know.

I hope to return to employment with the SCA to join the staff and volunteers sharing the unique conservation vision and life-changing opportunities the SCA offers. There are few missions as worthwhile as the vision and misson of the SCA.

Thank you Mrs. Putnam for your vision and faithfulness to the SCA mission, Barry Nilson