Tell Our Story, Pt 8: Stream Steward more than doubles her volunteer requirement!

Etsuko Reistroffer collects data while watching for salmon in Muck Creek

The Nisqually Stream Steward is a free program of the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Nisqually River Council. People who join receive 40 hours of training on the people, plants and animals of the Nisqually Watershed, in exchange for 40+ hours of volunteer time over the next year. Our volunteers work hard to meet that requirement, but sometimes, volunteers blow that commitment out of the water! Etsuko Reistroffer, 2016 Stream Steward graduate, has completed over 90 hours of volunteer time in just a few months! She volunteers regularly with the Nisqually Land Trust and many other organizations – we are so happy to have her in the watershed! Learn more about her experience below.

Thank you for being a Nisqually Stream Steward (NSS)!

1. Did you know you’re already over your 40hr volunteer commitment? WOW! Was it easy or hard?

It was easy to add the time, because the organizations had been sending the volunteer activity information. Just we need to make time and attend and give the interest on the activity.

(As a volunteer – I believe the PRO organizations give orders / activities, and we volunteers would follow the orders. The volunteers are equal, everyone is good quality, spending time there itself makes good credit for the organizations too, and help to finish the work, and bring the positive affect in the future.)

2. What was the best part of the NSS course for you?

Increasing my knowledge. One fish (Salmon) – so many positive things would bring to many things. One river – so many positive things would bring to many things.

3. What’s been the most rewarding thing about your volunteer time spent since you started NSS?

Increasing my imagination into various topics. During volunteer activity time, imagining the future positive affects by really doing it. Looking / working at it, remembering the NSS class what I have learned, and imagining what in it. Sometimes I go back to my memo, and review it.

4. What is the most interesting or inspiring thing that you’ve learned from participating in NSS?

Involvement of various organizations. One river has been brought the work to the various organizations, and each works independently, when you bring them together, it works so good. The NSS class let us know the true positive affect of each organizations work, and the importance of such education’s necessity.

5. Any advice for future NSS?

I have started to volunteer because of Global Warming. If there are more topics about Global Warming, I would be happier. (Nisqually Land Trust plants trees, I know it helps to cool down the Earth too. Therefore I go to volunteer there too.)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Etsuko! If you are interested in learning more about the Nisqually Stream Stewards class, email streamstewards@nisquallyriver.org or call 360.438.8715.

Travel from Mount Rainier to Puget Sound while learning about the ecology and cultures of the Nisqually Watershed. Gain hands-on experience, meet new people, and network with organizations that interest you. The class is offered 1x per year and is limited to 30 people.