That left me teleworking until I contacted the recreation staff officer of the Sierra Vista Ranger District. I was able to work with him along with another RA and it allows me to see firsthand the immense effort required to maintain the forest’s beauty and accessibility through the recreation department. From maintaining trails to ensuring that recreational areas were safe and welcoming for visitors, I learned a great deal about the delicate balance required to manage the forest. I thoroughly enjoyed not only learning more about the district and its landscape as the staff officer gave me a tour, but I also worked with another recreation officer and assisted her in maintaining different areas of the forest. It was a pleasant experience knowing the ins and outs of the recreation department. My tasks ranged from practical, hands-on work to learning about more strategic planning sessions such as creating trails, which gave me a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and rewards of forest conservation.

In addition to the recreation department, I had the unique opportunity to work closely with wildlife biologists on bird and snail surveys, an experience that enriched my understanding of the forest's diverse ecosystem. I first worked with forest-wide wildlife biologists where they surveyed the yellow-billed cuckoos. We embarked on an early morning hike, our ears tuned to the melodies of the avian residents and I got to learn a few facts about the wildlife and plant species that I hadn't known before. A week later, I drove up to the Safford Ranger District and assisted the Safford wildlife biologists along with Arizona Game and Fish on their survey of talus snails. Tracking snails, though less glamorous, was equally important, providing insights into the ecosystem's intricacies. These surveys not only honed my fieldwork skills but also underscored the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Through these experiences, I formed meaningful connections with fellow interns, biologists, and forest technicians, fostering a sense of community united by a shared love for the natural world. The past two months have been a profound journey of learning, growth, and connection, leaving me with memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.