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Written by guest blogger Monica Patel '11. Monica is a two-time SCA intern who's worked on developing wilderness stewardship plans in four different US parks and refuges. Monica's story was first featured in the Fall 2011 Green Way newsletter.

As 2011 comes to end, I look back at a year of travel, challenges and learning opportunities in wilderness stewardship. After I finished my first fellowship at Buffalo National River in Arkansas early this year, I headed eastward settling back into my New Jersey roots, but not for long. Another opportunity with SCA quickly knocked on my door. This time I would be working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS), as one of the nine Wilderness Fellows in another wilderness stewardship program.

My first experience as an SCA intern was with the National Park Service. It provided extensive background in wilderness stewardship and an understanding of how a federal agency operates. I was tasked with developing a wilderness stewardship plan for the Buffalo National River. The challenge this time around would be completing a similar task at three National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) within the same six-month time frame. Challenge accepted!

Each wilderness area is unique in its own right but two of the wilderness areas I was stationed at are nestled within the most heavily developed state of New Jersey. I started my summer at Great Swamp NWR in New Jersey. Summer turned into fall as I explored the enchanting lush balsam fir forest of Moosehorn NWR in Maine, as the sunrays peeked through the dense canopy, illuminating life on the forest floor. And just as the brilliant fall colors peaked in the eastern-most corner of the U.S., I headed to the southern reaches of New Jersey to E.B. Forsythe NWR, where I am currently finishing up my fellowship.

Just as in Buffalo National River, the staff was keen on providing new learning opportunities, such as mourning dove banding, wilderness trail maintenance, and shoreline surveys. As I worked at each of these refuges, I refined the skills I acquired during my time in Arkansas to successfully produce a monitoring strategy that will guide wilderness stewardship at each refuge. The issues vary from a 36,000 acre-park to refuges a fraction of that size; from an area in rural Arkansas to an area enclosed by a sea of development. But I was still able to build upon my communication skills and diverse experiences to effectively tackle wilderness issues at each of the refuges.

This entire year, I've been able to build of previously acquired knowledge to to successfully accomplish present challenges. This reminds me of a recent hikeI was ready to embark on, when a concerned Refuge Manager inquired whether I knew how to use a map and compass. I cracked a smile as I recalled my first wilderness hike at Buffalo National River. When I was lost, exhausted and afraid, I learned how to use a map and compass. I gave a firm "yes" and knew the experiences I've gathered will continue to bolster my future pursuits.

So it has been 2,461 miles since I left Arkansas, and my journey with SCA and land stewardship continues. And I realize that 2011 has been an amazing year for not only covering distances but gaining concrete conservation skills and giving what I can to help steward our nation's wilderness areas.

Jeff Chen, SCA alumni council co-chair, was featured on NBC Nightly News last week for helping America clean up its act.

Jeff co-founded Pick Up America after an idea he got during his SCA internship at Yosemite. As an intern, Jeff was hiking up Half Dome when he saw litter on the trail. Jeff realized that if there was litter on the trails of Yosemite, then the rest of America’s roads must be in even worse condition.

Jeff and his friends decided to do something about it. They began Pick Up America, a three-year zero waste education project. They are walking across America picking up trash and educating people on the connection between consumption and conservation. Jeff and his friends strongly believe that we are all responsible for the health and destruction of our planet. As you can see from the video, they are putting their words into action.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

SCA is thrilled to announce the following winners for our 2011 Got Dirt? Photo Contest. These photos inspired us in one way or another to get out and enjoy nature. Thank you to the more than 6,000 entries we received.

Grand Prize winner: Denis Dessoliers, "Morning"

It was sprinkling when I was driving up to Clear Lake, Colorado. I was concentrating on the road ahead because the terrain was very rough, steep and narrow, just enough for one vehicle. As I was looking back through my rear mirror, to my surprise, a rainbow appears on the other mountain of Silverton, Colorado. I just couldn't let this opportunity pass by so I immediately stopped the car and took this shot.


2nd Place Winner: Don Holland, "Eagle Aerobatics"

The male bald eagle left its perch high in the nest tree, a loblolly pine. In order to enter the nest, it was necessary to re-enter the tree since the branches prevented it dropping down. The bird's athleticism allowed it to make a tight turn into the nest. The nest is the only eagle nest on Shiloh National Military Park grounds.


3rd Place Winner: Jill Klasen, "Sunset Sillies"




Honorable Mentions:

Aleska Petersons, Puddle Jumping

This picture was taken at a park in Lake Zurich, Il. I was shooting my friend and her two kids. I told her 3 year old to just go have fun in the mud. This picture captures how fun puddles in the park can be.

Kimberley Martin, "Confidential Commune"

I photographed myself in the wild mustard flowers that were over taking the hill behind a local park. The flowers and I were having a deep and private discussion.
Huntington Beach, California.

Eden Hassett, "Three-sixty"

To scroll through all the photo entries, visit the photo contest website.

Via US Fish and Wildlife Services.

Shelby Lin is a student at Harvard University studying Applied Mathematics with a focus in Environmental Economics. At school she is involved in EnviroEd, a volunteer-run environmental education program, and the Harvard-Radcliffe Women’s Rugby Club. As a Visitor Services Intern at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, she ran field trips and summer nature classes, managed the visitor center, and had the opportunity to learn about the development of interpretive and educational programs.

Shelby hails from the north shore of Long Island, New York, and developed an appreciation for the outdoors through sports and dabbling in forestry and ornithology. She is interested in the way in which societies impact and relate to the environment, and hopes that her SCA internship will provide hands-on experience in conservation and an understanding of new perspectives on environmentalism. She plans on one day working in Latin America on the relationship between economic development and conservation. She knows that whatever her eventual career path, the experiences from her summer with SCA and USFWS will be important in developing her understanding of herself and the world around her.

Written by Brian Doughty and Jennifer Swann, SCA Conservation Corps programs.

As Veterans Day approaches and the nation honors the brave men and women from the past and present who have served in the armed forces, it is fitting that we highlight one of SCA’s newest initiatives—the Veterans Green Corps (VGC). 

The ultimate goal of the VGC is to enable former members of the armed services to transition into civilian life by providing job training, personal development, and conservation service opportunities in natural resource and wildland fuels management.

There are currently two SCA VGC teams in Prescott and Springerville, Arizona.  These teams have been in the field since the last week of August and will be wrapping up their service in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. 

The teams have been working with U.S. Forest Service wildland fire crews to reduce hazardous fuels in and around urban areas.  Their training included Wildland Fire Fighting, Wilderness First Aid, chainsaw operation, conservation ethics, environmental education, group dynamics, and conflict resolution.  Additionally, the veterans on these teams have enhanced their ability to pursue future employment with the U.S. Forest Service by becoming familiar with U.S. Forest Service history, operations, and hiring procedures – not to mention gaining valuable hands-on experience.

The VGC members on these teams represent a diverse cross section of today’s veterans.  The Corps Members range in age from 22 to 36, come from  all branches of the Armed Services, have attained ranks from Private First Class to First Lieutenant, and have worked in various positions ranging from Combat Infantryman to Submarine and Nuclear Propulsion Technicians. 

These men and women who make up the VGC made the decision to continue their service to their country by exchanging rifles and fatigues for chainsaws and Nomex.  Their experience has been carefully guided by our dedicated staff members Jennifer Swann (and Jill Kolodzne before her), Brian Doughty and Mike Stefancic – with a whole lot of help from others, particularly on the recruiting front. 

Please join SCA in extending our appreciation to all veterans as we observe Veterans Day on Friday, November 11. Thank you to all the Veterans and the service they provide to our nation.

Follow the Prescott National Forest Veteran's Corps and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Veteran's Corps through their adventures with SCA.