The ADK Summer Dream

Pictured above: a view of Barnum Pond, taken on my way to work last summer.

It’s 7:00 a.m. The air is brisk as the sun makes its appearance for the day and the fog begins to slowly roll off the water. The birds are chirping, the squirrels are ricocheting from tree to tree, and that cup of steaming hot coffee seems like it was brewed just to be enjoyed in this moment. You are at work, but that doesn’t matter because every morning you get to witness the Adirondacks coming to life.

Your table is secured with rocks in preparation for the wind that will undoubtedly make its way off the water to wreak havoc on your perfect display of information as you’re waiting for the first boat of the day to show up. An early riser strolls by the boat launch and asks if you’re selling rocks. You quickly explain that you are there protecting the lake from aquatic invaders, and show the visitor different samples of aquatic invasive species, and provide him with any additional information he desires. And then he’s on their way.

It’s 10:00 a.m. now and the rest of the world is finally awake. The boats are rolling in and you’re ready to talk to someone else besides the ducks that wandered under your table by accident. You go through your spiel and in turn are greeted with people praising you for the work you do – some are people that have lived in the Adirondacks their entire lives, and some are newcomers, just beginning their love affair with the park. They tell you how much they appreciate your dedication to protecting the waters they cherish and you’re left with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction that your job means something.

Noon hits, the sun is shining high in the sky and boats are zipping across the lake. There are too many boats to count and everyone is antsy to get out on the water. There isn’t much time to relax now and a boat just pulled in from a lake known to have numerous aquatic invasive species. You panic, but only for a second because you know you’re trained for this. The boater is compliant and lets you inspect his boat and there it is, the dreaded Eurasian watermilfoil hanging right off the motor. You point this out to the boater, who didn’t even realize he could be putting this lake in danger. You tell him “CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY” and provide him with information on the threats of aquatic invasive species. The vegetation is removed and a more thorough inspection is conducted. Once again, because of you, the lake is protected from a new invasion.

Now it’s 2:00 p.m. and the rush has passed. You’ve taken too many selfies on your iPad to count and you’ve finished your second book of the week. A local who has lived in the park for decades pulls in with his boat and is in no rush. A conversation starts up and he begins to talk about the history of the Adirondacks. You learn that Albert Einstein used to explore the same lakes you’re working to protect. You’re learning things that would have otherwise stayed in the books. Once again, you’re reminded what a great experience this job has provided you over the summer.

Finally, 4:00 p.m. rolls around and it’s time for you to go explore the rest of the spectacular things the Adirondacks have to offer you.

Working for the Adirondack Watershed Institute Stewardship Program (AWISP) was the ideal summer job for me right after graduating college. Through this position, I have gained experience at all different levels from public interaction and environmental education, to more scientific experience learning to identify aquatic organisms. Being a steward also allowed me to immerse myself in new interests I had never thought of exploring, from learning about edible plants at different boat launches to reading a 900-page book in just shy of a week – I even re-read a book assigned during my time as a student. As a steward I was able to gain strong connections with locals and visitors alike that have led to relationships, I believe, will benefit me in the future. And really, what’s better than sitting next to a magnificent Adirondack lake day after day?