Although I may be new to the SCA I am not new to conservation work and trail construction. From 2006-2009 I was Crew Chief for the Middlesex County Conservation Corps while studying Environmental Policy at Rutgers University in New Jersey. I directed the construction of ten new trails in parks throughout the county as well as maintenance of the existing trails. I also supervised habitat restoration projects, tree plantings, erosion control projects, invasive species removals, litter cleanups, and beach sweeps. In my three years as MCCC Crew Chief I trained more than 25 high school and college students and over 100 volunteers on proper trail construction and conservation techniques.
My close relationship with nature started early in life. As children my brothers and I spent our summers catching frogs, crayfish, snakes, and box turtles in the streams and ponds around our house. Family vacations usually consisted of camping, canoeing, biking, and hiking. While most kids dreamt of being astronauts or firefighters when they grew up I dreamt of being an explorer and photographer for “National Geographic.”
My thirst for adventure was finally quenched in 2006 when I had the fortune of spending a summer in Kenya on an archaeological dig sponsored by the Rutgers paleoanthropology department and the National Museum of Kenya. For eight amazing weeks we trekked through Kenya stopping to work at many famous archeological sites. I had the great fortune of uncovering the oldest anatomically modern footprints ever found, 1.5 million years old, and belonging to Homo erectus. Other discoveries included evidence of early stone tool butchery, and partial forearm and hand fossils.
I am excited by the opportunity to serve nature, and give back to the forests in which I enjoy spending much of my time. I hope that my work in the Finger Lakes National Forest inspires others to do the same. My goal is that visitors to the National Forest leave not only with a better understanding of the natural world around them, but also a better sense of themselves and how they fit into it. It is my pleasure to provide our visitors with exciting recreational opportunities as well as opportunities for personal growth and reflection.
