Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

With the rustling of trees being chopped down, and leaves being raked; to the merriment of levitating a water- bar up, I knew that this program was a right step in becoming a leader. Participating in the Forest Restoration leadership training series with Van Cortlandt Park, I became more aware of the environment around me. During my time as a volunteer and orientation leader I became more open-minded, and developed useful leadership skills such as flexibility, motivating myself as well as others to stay on task, and providing help when necessary.
During my time with the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, I outreached my help when others needed me most. Part of being a leadership trainee, I was always on task, making sure that I followed what they needed to do, and helping out each other along the way with perfecting team work skills. I assisted out the volunteers in areas that included: potting different species of plants, eradicating invasive vines, which stunted the growth trees and shrubs, and guiding them thorough trail management. Throughout the day, I communicated with all the volunteers, and learned about them personally; enjoying leisurely conversations, while planting a potted plant, or digging through a series of tough water bars. As a result of this, I loved to be in nature, and enjoyed helping out the volunteers, and helped out the other trainees.
As a Forest Restoration leadership training participant with the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, I learned of the expertise that is needed for working in the Parks Department. For example, volunteers can ask questions about the park or environmental science. As a trainee, I frequently had to use my public speaking skills, as I worked with fellow volunteers. Moreover, I gained basic gardening and horticulture skills, which would help me in studying Environmental Science in college. As a leader I felt that I became more hands-on, by working with the volunteers and teens that are my age. I also faced some difficulties, but with confronting with my fellow co-workers, and using my skills/values to apply them to a certain situation. Furthermore, I developed indispensable qualities and talents, in which I have never attained before. The skills I learned will enable me to become a better intellect, and have a gregarious demeanor.