And so it begins…
Greetings, Dear Readers, from the Daniel Boone National Forest Trail and Invasive Species Management Crew! We are currently stationed at Koomer Ridge Campground, located in the heart of the beautiful Red River Gorge. Our first project this season is rehabilitating the popular Bison Way Trail, an entryway to the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Later this summer, we will spend a month in the Beaver Creek Wilderness Area working to remove non-native invasive plant species, before returing to the Gorge for more trail work. This week was our first full week in the field, and we worked on building drainage structures at Bison Way while re-vegetating damaged areas of the trail. After surviving a surprise hail storm one night that brought down many large trees across forest service roads, we spent the next day working with the backcountry rangers clearing the roadways. We are all looking forward to the challenges this season will bring, and also sharing our many adventures with you! And now a brief intro to our members:
Hello! My name is Mason Floyd and I am the Project Leader for the team. I’m originally from Knoxville, TN where I studied Environmental Science at the University of Tennessee. I have spent the last four years working for the SCA starting as a corps member with a Native Plant Corps position at Cowpens National Battlefield in Chesnee, SC. From there I moved to other national park sites in New Jersey, Indiana, Arizona, and California, before leading my first crew at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia. My hobbies (besides living in the woods whenever possible) include guitar, frisbee, and hot sauce making.
Hi! My name is Lindsay Knab and I am currently a member of the SCA Corps program stationed in Daniel Boone National Forest for five months. I am orignally from Buffalo, NY and am 23 years old. This is my first time serving with the SCA and so far I am loving it. I have always been interested in doing activites outside, as well as taking care of our environment. This SCA program allows me to explore a unique environment while learning many new trades that I can use in future career opportuinites. I look forword to spending five months in the beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest.
Hi all! My name is Lindsay Sweet (yes, 2 Lindsays on this crew!), and I am from the islands of the Florida Keys. I decided to leave my mermaid life for 5 beautiful months in the mountains here in Daniel Boone National Forest! I have a degree in Zoology, and am currently working on a second degree in Environmental Management from the Univeristy of Florida. I recently left my job as a dolphin trainer to pursue a career in natural resource management and conservation… and where better to start than with the Student Conservation Association! I am so excited to be working in the field, making a difference for our environment!
Hello, Siddiq here! Third member of the Daniel Boone National Forest Trail & Invasive Plant Team, on my second week of this five month hitch. A citizen of the world, as they say; I’ve spent the majority of my life traveling and experience different cultures and dramas of the great wide world. From Europe to Africa to Indonesia, back to the beautiful lands of America, it’s my pleasure to share with you over the course of this journey; so read up and live on.
Grettings! My name is Matthew Daniels. I’m a native of Knoxville, Tennessee and graduate of East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. I’ve had an interest from an early age in environmental conservation and education as a result of my upbringing at an Montessori school and my experiences as a camper and counselor at an environmental camp in the Smokies, so this position is my truly my dream job! I’m looking forward to sharing all of our amazing experiences!