This week’s blog post features 2015 Nisqually Stream Steward Sharon Heath. Sharon recently completed her 40 hour volunteer requirement and shares her thoughts on what it means to be a steward of the Nisqually Watershed. Sharon has joined the Nisqually River Education Project on multiple field trips, monitored spawning salmon, planted trees, and helped prepare the Nisqually Tribe’s Community Garden for a bountiful season!
1. Did you know that you’re already over your 40hr volunteer commitment? WOW! Was it easy or hard?
Yes, I was keeping track. Considering I’m retired, pretty easy. I think the fact that the watershed has so many diverse projects going on, it offered an abundance of different opportunities from which to pick and choose. It also doesn’t hurt that I like physical labor.
Sharon is a talented bird photographer. She captured this photo at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge while collecting biodiversity data.
2. What was the best part of the NSS course for you?
The Paul Newton lemon cookies. Oh, you weren’t talking about the snacks? I think the best part of the NSS course for me was the overall and complete education of exactly what is the Nisqually Watershed. I’ve lived, fished and hiked here most of my life and never really though about it as a whole, from glacier to delta. I’ve loved and appreciated it, but took it for granted. The course explained and detailed the importance of all the pieces of the puzzle that make up the Watershed and how each contributes to its survival. It was eye opening.
3. What’s been the most rewarding thing about your volunteer time spent since you started NSS?
Working with the other volunteers. I was particularly pleased to see Sheila’s education program bring in the younger kids and how interested and hard working they were. A group of Boy Scouts planting trees with so much energy. As the future, it is so important to get them involved early. Thank you for doing that.
Sharon teaches students about providing a healthy environment for salmon at the Nisqually Watershed Festival. Photo: Warren Bergh
4. What is the most interesting or inspiring thing that you’ve learned from participating in NSS?
The satisfaction you feel from participating in a project. Doing your small part to move fish, throw fish, count fish or plant trees that will be here long before we are gone and to be a piece of that puzzle is slowly coming together to restore the Nisqually Watershed to some of its former abundance. It only the weather would cooperate.
5. Any advice for future NSS?
Don’t be put off by the seemingly long training schedule or the 40hr volunteer commitment on paper. The time goes by so fast and at each volunteer project you can reconnect with fellow classmates. Forever friends, in nature.
The 2016 Nisqually Stream Stewards class is now open for enrollment! To learn more visit the NSS webpage. Reserve your spot by emailing streamstewards@nisquallyriver.org or calling 360.438.8715.
