Annie Stencil Student Conservation Association Project Leader Saguaro National Park 3693 South Old Spanish Trail Tucson, Arizona 85730 Start 1/10/2011 End 10/14/2011 (208) 608 6320 astencil@thesca.org
The End of An Era
September was our last month of field work. We continued with the NPS crew spraying buffelgrass at Saguaro National Park, tackling some of the most challenging management areas they had. Although the season was physically and mentally challenging, we were sad to see it end. Roaming the desert with so many amazing people and enduring some of the most impressive elements of the desert and nature is something that we all will miss.
And just when it's starting to cool down here in the desert, we have to leave! Doesn't seem fair, does it? The entire crew kicked butt this season, and we endured some of the most challenging circumstances that any of us has ever been through. But we came out on top of the world, and although each of us are off to accomplish even more, we will miss what the desert has taught us, and what we've gained from each other as a crew.
Being a part of the SCA and helping to conserve such a dynamic ecosystem such as the Sonoran Desert has been an honor. It's the end of an Era and it will never be forgotten!
I want to give a special thanks to the crew : Joseph Glenn Ladd, Sarah Seiler, Emily Chilton, Josh Ulrich, Alex Peterkin (when we had him) and John Maxwell (when we had him). You guys were amazing and none of this could have been accomplished without you! And the best part is that no matter what, we have friends we can turn to for the rest of our lives :)
Also a special thanks to our Saguaro Agency Contact Dana Backer, and the fantastic buffelgrass crew: Bethany Hontz, Kara O'Brien, Justin Kolb, Lauren Kingston, Rob Hastings, Drew Jackson, Sam Barnett, Mike Ward, Kim Kwasny, Billy Jarnigan, Josh Lowry, and other NPS staff that helped us through the season.
Also a special thanks to Larry Ludvig from Fort Bowie National Historic Site, Dean Schlicting from Coronado National Memorial, and Kevin Parrish from Saguaro National Park.
Big shout out to the Fire Crew -- you all endured quite a fire season and are all heroes!
Please enjoy some of the last photos from the field and the end of the season award ceremony!
