Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

This summer I worked on a trail restoration crew in the San Francisco region. For ten hours each day, we worked on a quarter mile stretch to make a new trail connect to an old one. This work was extremely difficult as we were digging to make a steep trail level as well as nailing in box steps. We excavated dirt, dumped it into a container, and then carried it up a hill into a huge pile for ten hours in the hot July sun. As simple and as mindless as this work was, it was rewarding exertion. I felt personal satisfaction in feeling an ache in every muscle, symbolizing my hard work and the work of the crew collectively. There was a comradery as we shared the same pain.Â
No one checked Facebook, when we were together. We were living in the moment, which was made more special by working together in the beautiful surroundings. This experience inspired my passion to restore and protect nature and helped me realize the impact individuals are capable of. It allowed me to recognize the true value of hard work and integrity.Â
The beauty and innocence of the natural environment facilitated a connection between the entire crew, as we accepted our similarities and diversity. We let go of our awkward social insecurities as we forged a bond together. We realized we were working together to accomplish individual tasks as well as the larger goal of restoring the parks.