I stand outside my window the very first morning in Sandwich, New Hampshire. The birds are chirping in unfamiliar new ways. I am accustomed to the chirping of birds from my home in Phoenix, Arizona. Every call and song I hear is new and unique and strikes me with a sense of wonder about the place that I will call my home for the next 5 months. I spent the last week driving from the hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona to the dense forest of New England. Questions about the ecology of the lake and the species that I would encounter are constantly bubbling in my mind.
I will begin by saying that Arizona is one of my greatest loves. Phoenix has so many flaws, from its urban planning to its unbearable climate; however, it will always hold a special place in my heart. When I think of home, I think of the towering saguaro cacti with their blossoms blooming high above my head. I think of the vibrant sunsets from the top of Camelback Mountain. I think of the wildlife from the quail families walking single file, the coyotes howling at dusk, and the herds of javelinas roaming the plains. I never imagined I would find a place that I like more than Arizona.
These thoughts were buzzing in my head while participating in the orientation at Squam Lakes Association, wondering if I had made the right choice in moving to a new, unfamiliar area. On that first day, we hiked Rattlesnake Mountain, and I bonded with my fellow AmeriCorps members. There was comfort in being with a group. Before long, we reached a lookout on Rattlesnake, and I got my first view of the lake. The lake was truly stunning. As someone who has never lived this close to a significant body of water, I was struck by the immensity and the lushness of the area surrounding it. Perhaps I don't feel at home yet, but I was swept by the beauty and elegance of New Hampshire from the start.
The following 2 months have gone by in an exciting blur. As a Conservation Land Steward for Lakes Region Conservation Trust, I get the opportunity to visit many properties and experience the diversity here on a daily basis. I have boated through Lake Winnipesaukee to reach Ragged Island, admired the breathtaking views from the top of Castle on the Clouds, and listened to the birds at Homestead Forest. During this time, I serve the community by maintaining the trails and assisting in volunteer days and guided excursions. Besides being in nature, my favorite part about this is interacting with the community.
The people I have met here care so deeply about the land. I am always impressed with the knowledge of their home, the people in this area possess. On a birding walk, I listened to Kelly Hanson share her seemingly endless knowledge on the birds of the area. On a guided excursion, paddling through Lake Wickwas, I heard about Scott Powell's commitment to documenting the events of the lake through his blog. I attended the opening of the adaptive paddle launch, and I heard about how tirelessly a few residents worked to open a place that lets less able-bodied people kayak and canoe. It is impressive how hard they work to make nature more accessible. This shows me a strong love for nature that is built into the community of the Lakes Region.
I have learned that the feeling I experience when in the Sonoran Desert is felt here by the community of the Lakes Region. The people I have met here showcase a commitment to conservation and a respect for the area where I live. Before coming here, I could never see myself living in a place other than Arizona. Now, I have experienced the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and I know that I can find community and love for a new place. I don't know where I will go next, but I know that I will carry the lessons I have learned from this service position to new communities.
Jacob was raised and educated in the Phoenix area of Arizona. He studied sustainability and has a strong interest in the stewardship of natural spaces and studying human interactions with the environment. He is excited to spend the summer serving the community of the Lakes Region. Learn more about him here.