My first real job of this newfound career was with the Deer-Forest Study. I was a Penn State undergrad when I was hired as a field forest technician to roam the woods of Rothrock and Bald Eagle state forests in search of all things green. Two years later and thousands of miles behind me, I return to the very same place. Have I come full circle?
After leaving my winter deer job, I spent a couple of weeks visiting friends and spending time at home. Indeed it was great to pay attention to the other aspects of my life outside the confines of my last job.
Since I was going to be botanizing all summer, I decided to tag along on a couple of field trips that my old professor and friend was hosting. I spent a couple of days hanging out with him, catching up, and enhancing my botany skills. I always considered him a walking encyclopedia of plant knowledge and have always been grateful to him for opening my eyes to the plant side of things.
The next weekend was birding cup. Some old grad student friends of mine and I participated in the Shaver’s Creek annual fundraiser. Basically, we were sponsored to compete in a contest to see which team can identify the most bird species in a twenty-four hour period. The funds go directly to the environmental center and we enjoyed the time exploring the natural world together. Whenever you get nerds of multiple disciplines together, a bio blitz of sorts always ensues. Besides our primary goal, we marveled over reptiles and amphibians, forest herbs and trees, and other signs of life we discovered along our journey that day.
The next day, I attended the graduation party of a good friend of mine who has made a huge impact in my life. It’s still hard to believe she completed her PhD when it seems not long ago we were venturing into the woods for her first field season. The celebration was filled with friends that have positively influenced me both personally and professionally. I was happy that Jill got to meet many of them for the first time. I regret that the introduction didn’t happen sooner and the distance that divides us most days. These are the people I wish were in my community back home.
In a few days’ time, I began my new job as crew leader of the southern study area for the Deer-Forest Study. The first week was about getting the crew leaders, my counterpart in the northern study area and I, up to speed on protocol and data management before the crews arrived. Two intense training weeks followed. Those eighty plus hours were a whirlwind tour of Pennsylvania’s flora, an introduction to our crewmates and study areas, and an understanding of our complex data collection protocol. During this time, I realized that I had a good crew that would be up to this summer’s challenges. They were tested the first three weeks with a rather ambitious schedule but they endured with high morale and impressive professionalism.
Why did I return to the Deer-Forest Study?
Professionally, I want to gain leadership experience in my field and take a job with a greater emphasis on ecology. This summer, I lead a four person team into the forests of Rothrock and Bald Eagle to collect data on forest herbs and woody species for Penn State. Having already spent two field seasons and countless hours assisting this study, I can focus much of my attention on honing my leadership skills that would otherwise be used learning a new protocol and study area. Additionally, I’m within reach of friends and colleagues that can help me explore the ecological questions I have while conducting this work. Possibly, I may have opportunity for analysis and employment after the field season.
Personally, this job permits me to have a semi-normal life. I work four days and I’m off for three. This summer, I can see my loved ones, engage the other aspects of my life, and enjoy home. Although I work two and a half hours away, the distance is negligible when compared to the jobs I held over the past couple of years.
At this juncture, I ponder my future and wonder if the sacrifice was worth it. I set out on this two year exploration seeking answers and direction. Instead, I found more questions and wholly realized all the good things I left behind. In no way do I say that these two years or six counting college were not wondrous but I have paid the price. It’s easy to be discouraged when taking stock in such terms but I can’t let that get the best of me. I must remember my why — discovery, creativity, and contribution — and make that my direction. Perhaps that is the very reason to persist.
In this chapter, “Exploring the Understory,” I take you into the forest of Pennsylvania where my heart resides. You never know what you will find on the forest floor — maybe even a renewed sense of why!