YOLO

I recently had the opportunity to work alongside interns participating in The Conservancy's LEAF program, and it was a fantastic experience. I have worked with high school interns in the past, but these ladies were exceptional in my eyes. Their passion to learn and experience new things started from the moment they got here and continued till the very end. After being together for an entire month straight, you might guess that their motivation would drop or their attitudes would take a turn for the worse, but not these stellar individuals! Not only were they a joy to be around and work with, but they also taught me a thing or two.

I remember back to when I was in high school and moving on to college, and how much I looked up to people with jobs just like I have now. That thought, at first, made me a little nervous, thinking that these girls would be looking up to me as a role model. I felt a little bit of pressure, but after spending just one day with them, all my nerves subsided. I began to realize that they enjoyed being around me because I love what I do, both inside and outside of work. It was great to share with them, not only my beloved world of conservation and stewardship, but also life lessons and valuable ethics.

I think the LEAF program has done a tremendous job in allowing The Nature Conservancy to expose these young adults to the importance of being stewards of the land. Even though these beautiful women may not go into Environmental fields in the future, they will at least go ahead in life with the knowledge and values they learned through their experience with this program.

I enjoyed every second I had with all four LEAF interns and their mentor, so much so that I managed to sneak down to southern New Hampshire and work with them a few days, and even spent some of my off time with them! They are all going to go on and do great things, and as I told them, they may even end up being my boss someday. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to work with the LEAF program and would love to be able to do so again in the future.

GOOD LUCK LADIES!
YOLO!

Lisa Picconi
Northern New Hampshire Field Office
The Nature Conservancy

it's only temporary

What a wonderful experience New Hampshire was! I can’t say it enough, but I really am grateful to have been able to take part in the LEAF program. I’ve learned so much, I’m surprised my brain hasn’t gone on overload, ha ha. There was just so much to take in; so much to be educated on. On our drive to NH, I remember staring out the window and just seeing trees. Driving back to NY, I see all different kinds. I saw tons of trees I’ve already learned about, and even more I need to learn about. My eyes are definitely opened. I also scream out the names of invasive species when I see them. :P

Build that bridge!

I met great, amazing people in NH. I could never forget Wink, Lisa, Andrew, and Megan! They played such a huge role in our stay here and it just would not have been the same without them. I met some other awesome people as well, such as Krista and Daryl. These kind people, who have such an immense passion for what they do, have affected me, not just in the work field, but have taught me lessons in life, that I know I’ll be carrying with me forever. I will never forget all those nights we gazed at the beautiful night sky and saw shooting stars, the bonfire, the game of Spoons played at the cabin in Pittsburg with Wink, Lisa, Sara, and my fellow interns, building a bridge with Andrew, counting spat with Kara and Ray, CANOPY ZIPLINING (too cool!), pulling invasive species, ICE CREAM, and swimming everywhere, but in an actual swimming pool (I wouldn’t have it any other way).

So much beauty...

Sara said that if you’re really missing everyone and everything, then you must have had a great time (Well… She said something like that, but I totally butchered it), which I definitely did (in case you couldn’t tell ha ha). I loved every moment, and I’ll cherish every memory! Our final goodbye was teary and heart-wrenching, but I know it’s temporary. This is not “goodbye”, simply a “see you again.”

-Sharon Peter August 4, 2012

what happens in NH...

Exploring the mud...

These past few weeks in New Hampshire has been one of the best experiences that I have ever had. I don’t think I have ever made so many meaningful memories and learned so many new things in such a short period of time. There is a saying that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Clearly, this saying does not apply to New Hampshire. What happened in NH this summer will stay with me forever. The life lessons and skills that I have learned here will be useful throughout my life. The memories that I have made here will become life stories that I will retell over and over again. I will always remember and admire the people that I have met on this journey. They all shared a passion and love for their jobs that has encouraged me to chase after my own dreams as well. There has been so much that I have gained from this experience and so much more I hope that this experience can help me gain in the future.  

Live free or die, baby!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody that has followed this blog. Knowing that there were readers out there who were interested in what we were doing really encouraged me to work even harder. Hopefully, reading this blog also encouraged other people to step up and do something about the environment. While this might be the end of my journey as a LEAF intern, for me this is just the beginning. The LEAF program and TNC was my introduction to this field of work. Now I will rely on myself and everything that I have learned from this experience to move forward.  

 ~Jessica Chen 08/03/2012

the hardest goodbyes

What is that?

There are no words that I know that can describe this experience…and yet there are many. Too many for me to describe all the things we’ve been through, I guess. And, to be honest, I’m having a hard time writing this. Before now (before the ride back to NYC), I kept thinking of all the things I would put down and reminisce about in our final entry, but now that I’m doing it, I’m just not sure how I could describe all the new things that have happened.  

How can I describe the great expanse of stars on a clear New Hampshire night? There is a stunning sense of clarity when you stare up at the twinkling orbs set before you. The intense inability to speak as you lean back to get a better look.  That distinct twinge in your neck that tells you that you’re going to have a sore neck if you don’t take a break. And then the feeling of awe at seeing a shooting star. How can I describe ziplining to someone who’s never felt that same thrill? With the wind tearing at you as you soar through the trees. The feeling of flight as you come so close to the trees but never touch them. 

There is so much beauty here, in more than the landscape. It imbues itself in the people that live here. Every single person we’ve met has been so kind. It was hard to say goodbye to them last night. But Sara told us something I seemed to have forgotten since I’ve been here. She said that the hardest goodbyes are usually the ones that come after a time that we love. Despite my weak paraphrase of the great truth she told us, what she said really hit me. And to be honest, I suck at goodbyes. 

Bridge building success.

So, instead of saying goodbye to New Hampshire, I’m going to say see you soon. I don’t doubt that I’ll be back again. I can’t wait to see what new adventures await me in the future, and I can smile knowing that New Hampshire will be a part of it.

-Samantha Hoffman

the beautiful state that it is

Daniela has no mercy for invasives!

There is no way I can compile a month of experiences into a few simple paragraphs. I have crossed many things off my bucket list in this short span of time. I met the most down-to-earth people and I will certainly miss all of the New Hampshire TNC staff. All I can say now is thank you. I would repeat any part of this trip in a heartbeat whether that meant carrying wood into the forest or roasting marshmallows. I am just so thankful for this opportunity. It is one of the best experiences in my life and it has assured me that conservation will play a role in my life regardless of my career choice. My only wish now is that the program would have been a billion times longer.

On the border...

If you have read any of the group’s past blog posts, thank you. Hope that our happiness has been entertaining! Now, goodbye New Hampshire. As I write this on the ride back to New York City, I already miss the people, stars, ice cream, the beautiful state that it is. 

-Daniela Escobar August 3, 2012

it's not goodbye!

It's not goodbye - just, "see you later!"

As you can probably imagine, we spend a lot of time planning for our time with the LEAF interns.  What tasks do we think they can handle?  How do we divide the work up?  Where do we do it?  What about the weather?  Do we have the tools?  Where should they stay?  What extracurricular things can we do?  We spend a lot of time looking at work plans and spreadsheets, making sure that we've figured out exactly how we're going to shape their experience here in New Hampshire.

I, for one, never gave a thought to how they may shape mine.

Jessica has such a silent stealth about her - you can almost see the cogwheels turning in her head as she contemplates the task at hand.  Being the youngest of the group and from a different school, she tended to be the quietest - for a short while.  But quiet never meant disengaged.  On the contrary, Jessica would soak up everything around her - all the information she could - and then blindside you with an idea or talent. She's a whiz with tools and really showed her stuff building a bridge in Sheldrick Forest.  During an exercise with me developing interpretive signage, she quietly sketched out her ideas on paper while the rest of us spoke aloud a list of thoughts.  Samantha happened to look down at Jessica's doodling hand and say "Hey!  Jess has it all figured out!" And indeed she had.  In that moment she reminded me a lot of myself at that age, and I felt so much excitement for her knowing that she'd grow up to do great things.

Samantha is a born leader.  I adore that she oozes a sense of self-confidence that isn't overbearing.  She knows what she loves and what she wants.  Her sense of humor is wildly intact and she loves to chat about anything and everything.  Although this is her second year as a LEAF intern (spending last year in New Jersey), I think that didn't take away from the awe and magic she felt being here.  Every experience - from eating at the Buck Rub Cafe in Pittsburg to exploring Plymouth State with the Master Key - she retells with energy and excitement.  Sam will make an incredible scientist one day, and one that TNC would be foolish not to hire.  I just hope she invites me to visit in Hawai'i when she's doing her volcano research. =)

Daniela melts my heart.  She clearly absorbed every experience she had here and incorporated it into her sense of self.  She is extremely thoughtful about every situation.  Ask her a question, and her answer will always come so beautifully constructed with thought and emotion.  It's that emotional range, and her fearlessness to show it, that really caught me by the heartstrings.  I could tell that New Hampshire had moved her in such a profound way.  You could watch the changes in her happen right before your eyes.  It has been incredibly rewarding to watch.  Daniela has a bit of an old soul in her, which she couples will a fabulous sense of humor.  She spent much of last night's farewell dinner fighting back the tears.  When you ask her what the hardest part of being in New Hampshire has been, she'll say one word: "leaving".


Sharon is the light that shines over the whole group.  Her happiness is downright infectious.  Every single moment of every single day is a marvel.  She has an unstoppable determination.  Sharon will never be a person who says "I can't".  I don't think it's in her blood.  She will try nearly anything.  Before New Hampshire, Sharon had never been in a kayak.  We plopped her in a boat, handed her a PFD and a paddle and let her have at it.  That girl is a natural.  She piloted that kayak like she'd done it for years.  Sure, she plowed into Daniela and Jessica's canoe a few times, but that's power for the course. =)  When building the bridge at Sheldrick, she aced figuring out how to cut the angular boards.  Not figuring it out wasn't ever an option for her.  Sharon's love for life and family inspires me.  She's one of those people that you just want to be around.  She lifts the room.  And the best part? She's just so darn humble about it.  Just watch out if you're ever out to dinner with her. This gal loves the spice.  Don't believe me?

Do you see how much red pepper she's putting on that slice of pizza?  The one that already had jalapeno peppers on it?  She actually unscrewed the cap on the red pepper to dump it on top.  I bow to her taste buds.

Sara is such a marvelous mentor.  She advises and encourages in such an inviting and engaging way.  She is able to be a dear friend to each intern but still maintain her authority as the leader.  She's thoughtful and kind in every task, truly diving in right alongside the interns.  Having been a mentor to a crew in New Hampshire in 2010 really helped her to be comfortable with the land and the work to be done.  I think that Sara was just as surprised with how these interns shaped her as well.  Speaking with her, I could understand that this experience has truly changed and inspired her.  We cross our fingers that Sara will return next year with our new crop of LEAFers.

Some of the TNC staff took the interns to a farewell the night before their departure. We spent hours laughing and telling stories of our adventures.  Tears were shed across the table as we realized this would be that last time - at least for a little while - that'd we'd all be together like this.  But we knew we'd see each other again.  Maybe that time will be next fall, when any one of them could be a freshman at the University of New Hampshire.  We couldn't think of a greater reward than their return to make a difference yet again in the Granite State.

Over the next few days you'll see final posts from each of the interns.  They have a lot of thoughts they want to share before heading off on their next great adventure!

Megan Latour

play ball!

Last night we had the pleasure of taking the LEAF interns out for a little fun at the ballpark.  We enjoyed our chicken fingers and pretzels while watching the NH Fisher Cats WIN!

It's hard to believe tomorrow is LEAF's last full day in New Hampshire.  They have so much left to say before it's over, so stay tuned!

'ello, Govnah!

Motion to have fun - accepted!

Today’s events had a very distinct feel compared to other parts of the trip. We visited UNH, a great place some of us are thinking of applying to, and we also met the Board of Trustees for the NH Nature Conservancy! What other teens have that opportunity? We felt so insanely out of place but in the best possible way. It was really cool to see these adults approving minutes from prior meetings. We were also so honored to meet the people who held the seats we could one day hold. These people have all different careers but they meet up because they are influential, smart, and care for the environment. As I looked at my group of LEAF interns, I could only hope the same for the four of us.

However, this all happened in the span of the morning. By the afternoon we were off to another place: the State Capitol Building where we met members of the Executive Council. Can you imagine?

Mmmm... Three Chimneys Inn!

PS: The Three Chimney’s ffrost Sawyer Tavern we ate at today is adorable. Everyone should eat there J

 

-Daniela Escobar July 27, 2012

spatastic

Measuring oyster spat with Kara!

Yesterday we went to the Great Bay, a beautiful estuary here in New Hampshire, and played with oysters (no we didn’t eat them)! We met with Kara and Ray who work to restore the oyster population in the Great Bay. The oysters, which serve as a major filter system for the bay, have been depleted to a staggering 5-10%. It was wonderful to see people with such a vibrant passion for what they do, and that energy made me curious as to why these oysters were so important (which they obviously are!!!) TNC raises baby oysters and collects shells and, instead of dumping them randomly into the bay, are placing the shells strategically. They place them where the oysters used to thrive, and then later track how well the baby oysters are doing, which is what we helped do. We were given little cages that held more than 200 oysters. We cleaned them (since they were covered in mud, arthropods, and sea squirts), counted them, and then, for thirty spat (baby oysters), measured its size from the hinge to the other end. It was quite fascinating, especially since most of the spat were doing well. In the end, I, as well as the other LEAF interns, enjoyed working with the oysters immensely. Not only did we share some really good laughs, I left the Great Bay informed and more educated about this ecosystem that is held together with vital species, and must be taken care of, before it reaches it’s tipping point, and I strongly believe and support that.

-Sharon Peter July 27, 2012

rainbows and light hearts

Searching the skies for osprey.

The past few days have been long ones. But, all the same, they were great! As Megan mentioned, we had a lot of fun at the Great Bay Discovery Center on Tuesday. We were able to walk down a boardwalk with our guide, Kelly, who taught us about ospreys (my favorite bird), the kinds of animals that inhabit the salt marsh and why salt marshes are so important. After our interactive morning experience, we were released onto the mudflats during low tide, each of us were assigned different organisms to find. I was in charge of searching for sea lettuce (a very common and easy to find plant), Daniela was searching for striped mussels buried in the mud, Sharon scouted around for mud crabs and Jessica hunted for amphipods (I hope I spelled that right). Least to say, we all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Later we sat down and worked with Megan on a way to inform visitors of the Great Bay office that wandered into the beautiful garden about invasive plants. It was a great success, if I do say so myself.

Over that past day and a half (all of yesterday and this morning) I’ve come to realize something: there is nothing that is both as satisfying and frustrating as pulling invasive plants. The great thing about it is that there are those large sections of land where one or two types of invasive plants have taken over and you can take out huge sections of it in one go. My personal favorite is the loud crack that occurs as you rip the roots of those pesky things out of the soil. And yet, there are those times, like earlier today where the expanse seemed too great; that there were too many for you to handle and get rid of. It can make you feel almost powerless to stop the spread. Then after doing your best to clear out a good part of it you step back and you can really take a look at your handy work. It’s honestly an amazing feeling to know that you have helped make a difference to preserving and protecting nature.

On a lighter note, this afternoon we got to work with oysters!!! We helped count the number of spat (baby oysters) that were found on oyster shells previously set out into the bay. We did this in order to help a project that could restore the oyster population in the Great Bay, allowing for healthier waters, more fish and a healthier ecosystem over all. We also helped the oysters along a bit by clearing the shells they now call home of sea squirts (strange squishy creatures that do squirt water when you poke them) and other creatures that could inhibit their growth.

It’s hard to see another week pass by so quickly but I can’t help but be excited about seeing what the next day has in store. I know that everyday we will work our hardest and keep our hearts light, knowing that we are doing our own part to help protect the world around us.

~Samantha Hoffman 07/26/12

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Wagon Hill at Sunset.  Photo by Paul Norris - www.picturesocial.com

Sharon and I were pulling an Autumn Olive (an invasive species) today using every fiber in our body because the plant was so deeply rooted into the soil. We were successful in pulling it out, which is great, but we actually fell backwards into a batch of Poison Ivy.  Sharon and I died of laughter though, and we washed off with this oil absorbing soap so our day was able to continue and very positively at that. We stopped after work at this small farm where we fed donkeys and picked blueberries. When we were paying for our fresh goods the farmer at the counter told us we should take an extra box of berries for free which pretty much brought a tear to my eye. Then as if the day wasn’t going well already we saw a rainbow as we talked about life walking along Wagon Hill that actually has a wagon atop the hill. The day went by too quickly – even the work part.
 
~Daniela Escobar 7/26/12

mud!

Low tide at Great Bay means a lot of things, but one in particular is hard to miss: MUD.  This week the LEAF interns had a chance to explore the estuary's mudflats during a trip to the Great Bay Discovery Center.  While we're sure they'll tell you all about it in their next post, we thought you'd enjoy some photos of their adventure while you wait...

The interns start to learn what happens as the tide quickly rolls out...

Don't get stuck, Sharon!

Successfully upright.

Samantha and Jessica find evidence of a local creature.

Mudflats are such an interesting place to explore.

 

 

 

 

time flies when you're having fun

Hanging out by Great Bay.

It’s really startling to think about how we’re already halfway through our stay in New Hampshire. We’ve been through so much already but I don’t think any one of us feel like we’ve been here for a long time. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?

Along with all the fun we’ve been having outside of work, our work itself has been both educational and enjoyable. Today, it was our first workday in the Great Bay office and, despite me forgetting the group camera at the quaint inn we’re staying in this week, it was great! Andrew, our cool site supervisor, was so informative on the plants in the area around the Great Bay office. This morning he introduced us to several invasive species we’ll be pulling while here, including the multiflora rose (I had no idea that it was invasive……… and after seeing it up close and personal I took particular note of the sharp fishhook-like thorns). He also informed us about several native species such as shag bark hickory, which is called shag bark because of its shaggy bark. After lunch, we cleared a path of weeds that was near by. And, though it was hot and the work was a bit monotonous, we all powered through it. The end product was awesome! The path looked good as new!

While we’ll miss Conway, and all the people in Northern New Hampshire, I know we’ll enjoy it here in Durham. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we can’t wait for all the things this part of New Hampshire has in store.

~Samantha Hoffman 07/23/2012

two words

Who's that lucky guy in the middle?

Two words. COLLEGE VISIT! Today, we went to Plymouth State University (which was a great university by the way). There, we met Cheyenne, our student tour guide, Bill, one of The Nature Conservancy’s Board of Trustees members, Daryl, the Director of TNC New Hampshire, and Sara Jayne Steen, the president of the university. They were all so nice and gave us an exceptional tour of the campus.  The PSU was rich in history and has such a nice campus, and I’m so grateful to have been able to take part in that. So thanks for the tour guys! After the tour, we had a farewell dinner with the people we worked with for the past few weeks. I could feel myself getting teary-eyed at the thought of saying goodbye. There were so many amazing memories and moments, which I will never forget. I was taught so much and I know I’ll apply it to my life to the best of my ability. I’m so grateful to have been given this opportunity to know Wink and Lisa. Tomorrow we leave for Durham, and I’m not in sure what the South has in store for us, but I’m sure it’ll be just as great!

Sharon Peter, July 21, 2012

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Glorious!

I like that we ended our stay in North Conway the same way we started: on a mountain surrounded by great people. I can’t emphasize how amazing people have been these past weeks. Now sitting at a bonfire with the most epic s’mores and stars as far as one can see, I have to reflect on my experience. I will without a doubt always remember among other things the stay at the cabin playing Spoons (a card game) and driving in search for moose in the afternoon. I laughed so much that day and it was nice that we could stop, stare at the scenery, and learn of different plants along the way. (From the best teachers of course, Lisa and Wink.) The trip so far has been, in my opinion, quite well-rounded. I’m visiting colleges, thinking of the future, enjoying nature as well as helping it, and all while making new friends.

Daniela Escobar July 21, 2012

simply amazing

Pittsburgh, NH. Simply amazing. This small town, that may be unimportant to others, holds so many memorable moments. It’s an absolutely beautiful town and I adore the people. Kinda jealous of them too. Their view of the mountains and Connecticut lakes are great!

I slept in a tent! It was a huge one that I shared with Daniela and Jessica. Lisa’s person tent was right next to ours. Daniel, Jessica, and I told scary stories, which ended up with Daniela becoming scared and paranoid.  Ha ha ha!

We met a great scientist named Doug, who showed us the Flood Plain Forests at the Potter Farm where they were trying to restore Silver Maples and American Elms. We took the height and girth of the tree, and mentally took note of how the saplings were doing. Doug says they’re doing great! He said that everything he expected to happen was happening, and that he’s pleased with the results. And then today, we went to the Vickie Bunnell Preserve to pull Purple Loosestrife. Those were a headache, because their roots were so tangled up in the dry, compacted dirt, but it was great getting rid of those dang invasive species!

 
Sharon Peter, July 20, 2012

adventures at Potter Farm

The LEAF interns have been up in the north country since Wednesday morning. This, of course, means that there's no connectivity of any kind!  We do have some photos from their field day at Potter Farm, thanks to Doug Bechtel, our Director of Science.  The ladies spent their time gathering data on the American elm and silver maple saplings that were planted there over hte past two summers.  Note their sweet red TNC hats!

It's a scorcher as the interns begin their work.

Hard at work collecting data.

So, how tall is it?

Glad to see that Jessica is still smiling after being out in the heat all day!

those bloody ticks!

I'm on a horse!

Those bloody ticks… Did you get that? It’s a pun! Ha ha ha. I found four of those creepy crawlies on me yesterday. Not fun, but after the first discovered tick, the rest were a piece of cake. It was actually kind of cool seeing Lisa kill the ticks. Wink, our super cool boss, wouldn’t kill them. L That’s okay though. There are millions of ticks out there. Not a very reassuring thought, I know, but ticks really aren’t that big of a deal, especially when you’re working as hard as we were yesterday at the Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve painting trail blazes. Afterwards, we assembled signs with Lisa and, at the end, felt pretty accomplished. All in all, it was a good day.

Sharon Peter, July 17, 2012

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So am I!

We have been getting stronger. I am definitely feeling some new muscles…a bit of pain too. I miss the horses from Sunday. Today was a good day though. We nailed signs all across the Ossipee Pine Barrens and after a hard day’s work we went back to the beach…Good times!

Daniela Escobar 6/17/12

zip!

The interns have been taking so many great photographs during their time in New Hampshire that it's nearly impossible to share them all.  That said, here are a few more from their adventure on the zipline!

Getting ready for an adventure!

Climbing ever higher...

Go Sara!

Don't be scared, Sharon!

Go Daniela!

And Samantha, too!

Last but not least, Jessica!

Savoring the victory.

down and dirty

Squeezing through a tight space...

I don’t know where to begin. So much has happened this weekend and I can’t believe how much New Hampshire, not to sound cheesy, has changed me. Yesterday, Daniela, Samantha, Jessica, Sara (Yes I got into the habit of calling her by her first name -_-), and Lisa (our super cool and funny New Hampshire TNC seasonal) and I went to Loon Mountain. There, we went through rock passages created by glaciers that passed about ten thousand years ago. It was very tricky! The group got down and dirty, and emerged out of the caves with scratches. I got two on my left knee. After going through the caves, we went on a zip line, which was nothing compared to the canopy zip lines we did today at the Bretton Woods Canopy Tours, but it was pretty awesome at that moment! Afterwards, we went rock climbing… I’m mortified because, I went up the rock wall like six times, but never got to actually ring the bell. Even though I messed up three quarters of the way each time, I’m proud of myself for not giving up (AND SO ARE THE REST OF US!!! She did great! ~ Samantha). I had the purple-ish red bruises to prove it (even though it faded, but I have the callouses!). I did learn how persistent I am and how I’m not willing to give up… Or it could have been the ice cream Sara promised me if I didn’t give up!!! ;D

 -Sharon Peter, July 15, 2012

it kind of has to be

Ziplining in the White Mountains!

If I am going to write on a blog I need to mention zip lining, horseback rides, and rock climbing because they are fantastic experiences; but I feel the need to express the dynamics of my group. We are getting along quite well and I am always wondering if other LEAF groups are having this much fun. This morning we had the cutest breakfast with smoothies and blue berry pancakes.

Our super quaint breakfast.

Along with music in the background and the typical quaint ambiance of North Conway we had an ideal morning meal. I hope my blogs haven’t been too cheesy for you. I don’t think my writing is always this flowery but when in a place like this it kind of has to be.

7/14/12 Daniela Escobar

ice cream and advice

At the summit of Mount Washington.
Wink, Sara, Sharon and Samantha in back with Daniela and Jessica in front.

Today the group went up to Mount Washington in a car where we were able to learn much about different sorts of ecological communities.  The view was amazing and it gave me the feeling of peace, almost like a sort of meditation state. New Hampshire seems to have that power over me. I felt the same way at the beach later on in the day, but while we were still up on the summit we had the opportunity to actually meet with the meteorologists. They took us to the highest legal point of New England and showed us their abode, which seemed better fit for superheroes with all these fascinating machines to measure wind speed and such. Everyone there was as usual incredibly sweet and I am so thankful for their time. Now that I mention it, everyone I have met in New Hampshire has been kind. Strangers are willing to help and our mentors Wink and Lisa are the best people you could possibly meet. The people at the hostel we are staying at offer ice cream and advice whenever possible, and most are also traveled people that I just love listening to. One day I hope to go to a hostel just like the one I am now with many great stories of even more mountains and adventures.

A meditation state...

7/13/12 Daniela Escobar

48 Hours of Bliss

"Lines in the Sky" in Rumney, NH by Brian Gudzevich

The task at hand is quite difficult. There is no way I can summarize about 48 hours of bliss. I can literally write about any minute of the past two days and marvel; this including anything from us singing our hearts out in the car to having our first hoedown. I kid you not people here actually sit on their front porch with guitars and friends to sing at night! Still, what brought everyone almost to tears was not actually the music of the night (almost though – it was that amazing); but once again the stars. We saw shooting stars! The moment in a nutshell went a little like this:

Samantha: Did you see that?!

Sharon: What?

Samantha: A shooting star!

Jessica: Really?

Daniela: You probably just imagined it…

Sharon: Yeah, your eyes are playing tricks on you. *laughter*

 A second later two shooting stars right in the middle of our sight

Everyone: OH MY GOD! Did you see it?!?!! I can’t believe how beautiful!! OH MY GOD!!!

PS: We are doing work when not swimming of course J We walked up Black Cap Mountain painting blazes along the trail yesterday. We dug many water bars for when it rains also and the other hikers were very appreciative. Today we walked Ossipee Pine Barrens counting and monitoring new pitch pines. I feel accomplished and I admire everyone I have worked with so far.

6/12/12 -Daniela Escobar

sur•re•al

Although Daniela is this group's chosen "journalist" this week, all of the LEAF interns wanted a chance to introduce themselves and their individual experiences.  Below are their thoughts.

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sur·re·al adj \sə-ˈrē(-ə)l also -ˈrā-əl\
marked by the intense irrational  reality of a dream; also: unbelievable, fantastic

Many people would assume living in New York City would be a surreal experience. A place you would hardly ever expect to call surreal: New Hampshire. Yet, in only one day the state has won me over, leaving me in complete awe. Every place I looked seemed to have a painted backdrop – the water, the mountains, the trees, everything simply beautiful. Then night came and I, along with my group, discovered the stars. For many of us it was the first time we were looking at the Milky Way or the Big Dipper outside of our schoolbooks.  We stopped and stared by the side of the road as if in a trance. Besides this we were able to go into Maine for a drive-in movie, something I have personally always wanted to do. And all of this was done after a morning of kayaking and meeting new people. Did I mention people here are incredibly sweet? Because they really are. Now how could anyone call such experience anything but surreal?

 6/10/12 –Daniela Escobar

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I can speak from experience when I say that leaving the city, and pretty much everything you know behind, is hard. Especially when it’s for four weeks with no technology. But, unlike the other girls that I’m with, I have some experience doing it. Being my second year in LEAF I can’t help but compare what happens this year to what happened during the last. The differences, I must say, are astounding. This year, instead of being close to home in southern New Jersey I’m at least 6 hours away from home in one of the northern most states in the country. Each moment I have spent here I am struck by the beauty of the small towns that are scattered among the winding roads and rivers in New Hampshire. Living by the beach has it highlights but I cannot help but take the time to look up at the sky in awe at the stars I can see, and enjoy the clarity of the night air. I’m looking forward to all the new adventures, wonders and first times (which are several……including the simple act of trying squash) New Hampshire has to offer. These next few weeks will prove to be both challenging and rewarding. I can’t wait.

 

6/10/12 – Samantha Hoffman

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Being a student from the city, I had no idea what was in store for me at LEAF. There were many firsts on our second day here. I. WENT. KAYAKING! It was one of the best experiences of my life. Of course I was a little scared of falling over the side, but I’m alive and kicking! And, according to Megan, I’m a natural. Haha.

New Hampshire is a completely different experience for me. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Daniela, Samantha, Jessica, MS. RUST, and I went stargazing yesterday and I saw the Big Dipper, Orion’s Belt, and the Milky Way, which was AWESOME!!! And this was all in one day! When I look up at the sky, there aren’t any skyscrapers in sight. It’s a refreshing change. Change is what should be embraced wholeheartedly and is what I, as well as the other girls in LEAF New Hampshire, have been doing pretty well with. I can’t wait to experience whatever else LEAF, as well as New Hampshire in all its glory, has in store for me.  

P.S. Ms. Rust has been pestering us to call her Sara…    Never gonna happen! :P

7/11/12- Sharon Peter

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Since the first time I heard about the LEAF program, I have been anticipating all the activities that we were going to try. However, the actual experience here in New Hampshire has been totally amazing and beyond all of my expectations. Even though this is only the second day, I have had so many “first experiences” already.  For the first time, I have ridden in a canoe, seen a drive-in movie, and gone stargazing in the middle of a deserted road at midnight. All in all, this has already become an unforgettable experience for me. I have always been a very quiet person so I was extremely nervous when I met the other group members for the first time. However, everyone in New Hampshire is really just plain nice. It didn’t take long for me to feel completely at home here. Even these two first days has made this entire trip worthwhile and I can’t wait to see what else New Hampshire and TNC has in store for me.

7/10/12 – Jessica Chen