Reflections from Current River . .
After arriving in St. Louis and taking part in the initial orientation trainings, our new AmeriCorps Members headed down to Current River State Park for 10 days of field training and team bonding. This is always a very memorable time for the members, and it sets the tone for the rest of the service year! While at Current River, Members had the opportunity to learn about the ecology of the area, how to use and maintain chainsaws, get an understanding of basic trail maintenance, and more.
“Looking back at this month, the stresses of adulting outside of service are easily put in the back of my brain filing cabinet once I'm around the group that comprises AmeriCorps St. Louis. The spikeout to Current River was a great way to kickstart the beginning of a good year. Everyone's eagerness to get things done and help each other out along the way will set us up for a fulfilling service year full of hard work and genuine laughs. I'm grateful for the organization of the program and even more appreciative of all the team leads, who go out of their way to make us feel at ease and take the time to ensure that we're really getting what they're teaching us so that we can continue this work with ultimate safety.
I'm very much looking forward to learning a lot from our partners, especially Susan who seems to have an extensive knowledge of MO's ecology. I'm excited to get to know the plants around me. The trainings at Current River was a glimpse into what our world is going to be for the next year, and with so much information crammed into my brain at this moment, I cannot wait to put it to use. I'm stoked to get to know everyone a little more on projects, exchanging knowledge and experiences, and to grow together as a team each time we go out to serve.” - Maria Reyes, AmeriCorps Member
Maria and Corey practicing chainsaw maintenance at Current River
Nadya and Team Leader Willie K practice face cuts at Current River
“First impressions of the program- I have never worked with staff or upper management who were so knowledgeable, helpful, and excited about what they do. Every day I am impressed by how well the tools and equipment are maintained and how thorough the training is. I already admire many folks at ERT, especially Mere, Eli, and Ellorey. I aspire to be as knowledgeable and also fun. I am hopeful for a good year and excited to get started.
I also will never forget the stars at Current River. I have camped in very remote places before, but I have never seen the Milky Way so clearly. I cowboy camped one night on the dock of the boathouse and although I got very soggy from morning condensation, I saw some amazing shooting stars and I felt like I was surrounded by the sky.”
- Nadya Lehnert, AmeriCorps Member