From Guest Blogger Megan O’Hara, Youth Outdoor Employment Director:
I had an eye-opening experience with some adventurous St. Paul youth in Superior National Forest in early summer. It was eye-opening due not only to the brisk, northern air, but also to the smart and surprising youth on the trip.
Wilderness Inquiry (WI), the U.S. Forest Service and the YWCA of St. Paul partnered this year to create an amazing opportunity for St. Paul youth in their IMPACT program. Seventeen energetic young people along with youth leaders ventured north in WI vans to Superior National Forest in June to enjoy fresh air, clear lakes and close encounters with wildlife. Most importantly, they learned about jobs in the Forest Service.
The campers showed their outdoor grit by braving rain showers and temps that dipped into the thirties on the first night. They also learned the teamwork and solidarity that comes with facing the unfamiliar and tackling uncertainty and new experiences together.
Superior National Forest is 3 million acres of boreal forest, a mix of spruce, pine, aspen and dozens of clear, cold lakes. One million acres of it is officially designated wilderness as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
Upon arrival, YWCA youth and leaders met with Brenda Halter, Forest Supervisor, Superior National Forest. She described the difference between national forests and wilderness. National forests are managed for resources and recreation: timber and minerals, as well as motorized recreation, fishing and hunting. Motorized recreation like boats and snowmobiles are allowed in our national forests, but not in designated wilderness areas like the BWCA. Her comment that most of our drinking water in Minnesota comes from and through Superior National Forest made an impression on the youth.
The weather served up a cold and rainy beginning. Though a few huddled in the van after setting up tents, they were coaxed out by a warm spaghetti dinner with toasted garlic bread and salad. The next morning dawned sunny and clear and breakfast burritos lured campers from their tents. “Look at that treetop… is that an eagle?” JaQuon noticed after breakfast. A bald eagle perched high in a nearby white pine sent Samantha, Trakaray and Charles scurrying for their phones and cameras as it imperiously studied the lake’s glassy surface.
Aquatic Technician Daren Lilja told the group about a new threat to the lakes: Rusty Crayfish. After hearing where they come from and why their populations are exploding, several boarded Lilja’s boat and checked traps he set around the bay to see if they could examine one up close.
Youth learned from their WI Trail Guides about Leave No Trace principles that are crucial to protecting the character of wilderness. They saw the concept in action with WI’s simple but effective bucket system that allows hand-washing and teeth brushing while leaving no waste behind.
The group learned about a number of different jobs in the Forest Service from the professionals themselves — soil scientists, District Rangers, Law Enforcement, Smokejumpers and Recreation Planners. They asked introspective questions and found interesting possibilities for their future plans. Several indicated interest in learning more or pursuing these careers.
Another trip is on deck for the Chippewa National Forest in August with teens from Tree Trust and the YWCA. We’ll see what Mother Nature has in store for us this time.
— Megan O’Hara
Leave a Reply