“LOOK! MISS CINDY, I FOUND ONE!! LOOOK!!” As I hear my name shouted, I turn back around and glance at my student’s hand. Indeed, they have found one—a red-backed salamander, squirming at the base of…

At the conclusion of my fellowship with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, I can only describe my feelings as bittersweet. I am so thankful for the travel opportunities I’ve had, skills I’ve developed, and…

Having finished a little over 3 months as a Recreation Technician through Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project, I reminisce on the mission of the program and how it aims to provide people of color with…

When I saw an opportunity to work in the Inyo National Forest, I was super excited to move to a small town with access to the outdoors. I was stoked to be around people who…

The Rio Grande Valley, nestled in the southernmost tip of Texas, is rich in culture, community, and natural beauty. Yet, it also faces a profound challenge: a lack of accessible green spaces for its predominantly…

As someone who grew up exploring the Chuckwalla Desert alongside my father, the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument holds deeply personal and spiritual significance. My father, despite only having a second-grade education, was the wisest…