Your Very Next Step newsletter for August 2013

Your Very Next Step newsletter for August 2013

 

By Ned Lundquist
www.yourverynextstep.com

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.”

– John Muir

 

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
– Lao Tzu

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.   Share your adventures with the network today!  Send to lundquist989@cs.com.

***  To subscribe for free:  http://bit.ly/JOTWSubscribe

 

Send us your comments, questions, and contributions to lundquist989@cs.com.

Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

 

You may note that our YVNS newletter  (www.yourverynextstep.com) has received a make-over.  Bear with Ned as he learns how to use it.

 

*** In this issue:

***  20 biggest travel mistakes

***  America’s Dirtiest Hotels

***  America’s most awesome boardwalks

***  QUICK CAMPING TRICKS

***  15 UNESCO Sites to See While You Can

***  A Hiker’s Best Friend

 

***  National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: August 2013

Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail

 

*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:

 

1.)  U.S. Forest Service-AMC Alpine Stewardship Volunteer, Franconia Ridge, White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire

2.)  Volunteer opportunities, MARINE CONSERVATION, O.R.C.A.  (Ocean Research Conservation Africa), Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

3.)  Citizen Science: American Eel Research, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Various locations in New York State

4.)  Volunteer Positions, Devils Tower National Monument, Devils Tower, WY

5.)  Wildlife Intern, Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, Hollandale , MS

6.)  Public Affairs Intern (local preferred),  Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Gainesville, GA

7.)  Sanctuary Ambassador, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Scituate, MA

 

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) Director, Corporate Relations, National Wildlife Federation, Reston, VA

2.)  Volunteer Programs Assistant, The Pacific Crest Trail Association, Sacramento CA

3.)  Executive Director, Wyoming Wilderness Association, Sheridan WY

4.)  Interpretation/Visitor Services Intern, Interpretation/Visitor Services Intern, Charleston , SC

 

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Do you have a travel adventure to share?

Send me your stories and I’ll post in the “Your Very Next Step” and on the YVNS website (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/).

 

***  20 biggest travel mistakes

By Chuck Thompson, CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/02/travel/20-travel-mistakes/index.html?hpt=tr_c2

 

***  America’s Dirtiest Hotels

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/eikg45efi/americas-dirtiest-hotels/

 

***  America’s most awesome boardwalks

By Robert Firpo-Cappiello, Budget Travel

http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/23/travel/america-best-boardwalks/index.html?hpt=tr_c1

 

***  QUICK CAMPING TRICKS

 

Want to learn some quick camping tricks? Read our blog post to pick up some tips you can use next time you’re out camping!

 

http://outdoors.campmor.com/14-camping-tips-and-tricks/?cm_cat=TRAILMAIL&cm_ite=TrailMail-August22013&cm_pla=51688#fbid=OsOFUai_NGF

 

***  15 UNESCO Sites to See While You Can

 

UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger consists of 44 sites that face urgent threats to their integrity as spots of “outstanding universal value,” ranging from environmental degradation to urbanization, overpopulation, and excessive development. These sites are not off-limits to tourists, though. In fact, for some dedicated travelers, there’s no better time to glimpse these historical world wonders before they change—or disappear—forever. Here are 15 of the sites you must see before it’s too late.

 

By Maggie Gorman

http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/15-unesco-sites-to-see-while-you-can?ref=news_fd_081713#!1-intro

 

***  A Hiker’s Best Friend

 

Do’s, dont’s, and delights when taking your dog on the trail

 

Story by Lisa Densmore

AMC Outdoors, July/August 2013

http://www.outdoors.org/publications/outdoors/2013/features/a-hikers-best-friend.cfm

 

*** National Rail-Trail of the month:

Trail of the Month: August 2013

Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail

By Laura Stark

 

“Our identity was coal…Now, our history and our beauty and our tourism will be our focus.”

It’s hard to imagine a prettier place for a rail-trail. The emerging 19-mile Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail winds across the high plains of central Tennessee between Cookeville and Monterey, a town “Where the Hilltops Kiss the Sky.” Excitement is building for the new recreational amenity, which will be unique to these communities in a region that already counts itself lucky with gorges, waterfalls, caves, rocky bluffs and the Cumberland Mountains above it all.

 

Named for the Tennessee Central Railroad, a boon for the region in the early twentieth century, the rail-trail offers the enticing potential to spur a new rush of economic opportunity. Its advocates hope that the area’s natural bounty within easy reach of two of the state’s largest cities—Nashville and Knoxville—will make the trail a shoe-in for a tourist destination.

 

“Once the trail opens, it will help the economy greatly around here,” says Ken Hall, Monterey’s cultural administrator. “We lost our identity. Our identity was coal and when that industry died out, the town slowly started to die and we stumbled around looking for an identity. Now, our history and our beauty and our tourism will be our focus.”

 

Hall hopes that when the trail is complete, it will be as well known as the Virginia Creeper. Like its famous cousin, the Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail will have no shortage of history for railroad buffs. It’s currently bookended with two trailside depots and, midway, the quaint city of Algood hopes to add a third once its section of trail is complete.

 

“We hope it will help revitalize downtown,” says Keith Morrison, Algood’s City Manager, of the potential new depot. “There used to be a depot here that was a central hub. We want to build a replica and have Algood’s history displayed inside.”

 

On the trail’s western end, the Cookeville depot has stood for more than a century though it had fallen into disrepair after the trains stopped running. It’s hard to imagine now that the beautiful red brick building with its unusual and elegant pagoda-style roof was once scheduled for demolition before a citizens group (later known as the Friends of the Depot) mobilized and restored it.

 

Today, the depot serves as an anchor in Cookeville’s reenergized downtown, surrounded by boutique shops and an eclectic mix of restaurants. Across the street, a large neon sign, nearly dwarfing the building on which it sits, blinks “Cream City Ice Cream,” above an ice cream parlor serving up old-fashioned milkshakes and modern-day lattes.

 

“We don’t have big national brands,” says Melinda Keifer, Cookeville’s economic and community development coordinator. “But we have a strong business community.”

 

The depot in Monterey, on the east end of the trail, opened just last year and has already seen 15,000 visitors. Though it’s a replica, it was thoughtfully recreated from an original diagram of the 1903 building. Ken Hall curates the museum and many of the pieces are his own, handed down from his father who loved the railroad and collected relics from the days of the steam-engine and early diesels.

 

“My grandfather started with the railroad in 1890 and my father in 1934,” says Hall. “All my uncles worked on the railroad, too. Although I didn’t choose the railroad as my career, I wanted that tie to the railroad to complete the circle.”

 

The corridor that the trail follows originally belonged to the Nashville and Knoxville Railroad, founded in 1884, which later became Tennessee Central Railroad. The trains primarily carried coal, as well as other natural resources and manufactured goods. It had a long run, lasting until 1968 before finally going out of business. But the tracks did not stay dormant permanently. Nearly 20 years later, a few trains a week began to roll down the corridor once again under a new banner, the Nashville and Eastern Railroad, which now serves a large sand mining operation and other industries between Nashville and Monterey.

 

A few times a year, vintage 1950s-era trains also whisk bright-eyed tourists from Nashville to Cookeville and other communities along the way to enjoy farmers markets, antique shops, handmade crafts, friendly restaurants, and all the warmth and charm of small Southern towns. The themed rides, organized by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, include fall foliage sightseeing, journeys with Santa, and Thomas the Train trips that proclaim to give youngsters the “ride of their life.”

 

“The excursion trains carry 300 to 500 people from Nashville to enjoy our town,” says Keifer. As the home of Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville is a college town that she calls, “a happening little place.”

 

The much anticipated pathway will be built on the outer edge of the active railroad’s right-of-way. Such projects, known as rail-with-trails, are not uncommon around the country and offer effective ways of connecting communities. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is developing a report—anticipated to be published within the next few weeks—to provide tools and information on rail-with-trails like this one for the trail-building community.

 

“The railroad has been wonderful to work with,” says Keifer. “They’ve been ready to compromise and work with us in any way that they can.”

 

Currently, only a half-mile of the Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail has been constructed, but more trail is coming, and soon. A partnership of four government agencies—Putnam County, Cookeville, Algood and Monterey—is actively pursuing its development, and a nonprofit volunteer group will manage and maintain the trail.

 

The remainder of the trail will be built in four phases, starting in Cookeville and moving east. Funding is in place for the first phase, a four-mile stretch from Cookeville to Algood, and bidding is expected to get underway within the next few months. Construction may begin as early as next spring. The second phase of nearly seven miles is expected to follow hot on its heels.

 

East of Algood, passage up the side of Brotherton Mountain for phase three will prove a challenge, but also an appealing attraction for adventure seekers. The trail diverts from the rail corridor here with switchbacks used to manage the elevation.

 

“I think the section that will draw the most tourists will be the rustic section between Monterey and Algood,” says Hall. “It will be a beautiful trail with mountain scenery, woodlands and lots of wildlife.”

 

The last phase, about a mile long, will connect the trail to the already open segment in Monterey. The town is awaiting word on a potential grant for construction and, once in hand, can begin the bidding process. Hall thinks the section could be completed as early as the end of the year.

 

After many years of slow, but steady progress, this flurry of activity makes the trail more tantalizingly palpable than ever. “There was a tremendous amount of excitement when the project was originally thrown out there,” says Keifer of the trail, which was first proposed in the mid-2000s. “Once we get our next piece on the ground, it will re-energize that momentum.”

http://www.railstotrails.org/news/recurringFeatures/trailMonth/index.html

*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:

1.)  U.S. Forest Service-AMC Alpine Stewardship Volunteer, Franconia Ridge, White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire

 

Help Protect Alpine Vegetation on Franconia Ridge

 

The U.S. Forest Service-AMC Alpine Stewardship Volunteer program started in 2000, sparked by the dedicated interest of a few individuals. Since its inception, the program has grown to include 12 dedicated Alpine Stewards who patrol Franconia Ridge each weekend from Mid-May through Columbus Day.

 

Through this program, the AMC and the USFS hope to increase the public’s awareness of its impact on the alpine environment and educate ridge visitors about preservation of alpine vegetation. These volunteer Stewards address topics such as the importance of staying within the treadway, prevention of “summit sprawl,” Leave No Trace ethics, ridge safety and low-impact trail tending. While on the trail, they are available to respond to questions or concerns of ridge hikers and can engage visitors in a friendly, educational manner.

 

Who Should Apply

 

The individuals who will most enjoy serving as alpine stewards are those who:

•Have a friendly, outgoing, professional manner, in addition to experience working with the general public in a recreational setting.

•Are an avid hiker with an understanding of the White Mountain National Forest and AMC.

•Are comfortable approaching individuals to provide conservation and safety information.

•Are AMC members.

•Have a current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification.

•Are committed to the protection of the alpine zone and the promotion of Leave No Trace ethics.

•Are able to provide coverage at least two weekends per year.

•Are able to attend the annual training and meeting, usually held in the spring.

 

What They Do

 

Stewards take on a number of rewarding responsibilities, including:

•Demonstrating and exemplifying appropriate alpine zone behavior and Leave No Trace ethics.

•Approaching hikers to provide education on the alpine zone environment, ecology, Leave No Trace practices and low-impact trail tending.

•Approaching visitors causing a negative impact on the alpine zone to provide education in a friendly, educational manner.

•Providing information to visitors about safety concerns, particularly regarding weather.

•Communicating information concerning Forest Service backcountry camping regulations and Leave No Trace principles, as needed or requested.

•Participating in the AMC Mountain Watch Program’s ozone and visibility study.

 

How the AMC and USFS Support Them

 

The AMC and USFS provide the following for alpine stewards:

•Room and board on the weekends they serve.

•Gear and uniform to use while working.

•Annual training opportunities.

•Recognition for their efforts through Stewardship Society awards, based on the number of hours contributed annually.

 

How to Apply

The Alpine Stewardship Volunteer Program is a small program, being located solely on Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire. We are always interested in receiving applications in the event of an opening, however. For more information, email us by selecting “Volunteers” from this form. Please be sure to include a brief description of why you are interested in the program. You will receive a brochure and an application in the mail.

 

http://www.outdoors.org/volunteers/information/information-alpine.cfm

 

2.)  Volunteer opportunities, MARINE CONSERVATION, O.R.C.A.  (Ocean Research Conservation Africa), Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

 

The Ultimate Whale & Dolphin Experience

 

The O.R.C.A. Marine Foundation is located in Plettenberg Bay on the world famous Garden Route of South Africa. “Plett” (as it’s lovingly referred to by locals) is home to some of the world’s most fascinating marine species and one of the best places in South Africa to view them.  This includes Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Humpback Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Orca or Killer Whales, and Great White Sharks. A volunteer placement at O.R.C.A. gives a unique, once in life time opportunity to observe these magnificent marine species while participating in exciting marine conservation, community-based and educational volunteer work.

 

Volunteers enjoy trips to sea (in boats and sea kayaks) to view many magnificent animals. The town of Plettenberg Bay, which is dependent on eco-tourism, has benefited significantly from the O.R.C.A.’s programs through community upliftment, information gathered from O.R.C.A. researchers on various aspects of the Bay, and promotion of marine eco-tourism.

 

Recently O.R.C.A. was honoured as the Runner-up for the Indaba/Fair Trade “Excellence in Environmental Stewarship” award.  O.R.C.A.’s mission is to facilitate the implementation of a ‘Best Practise’ model for the management of the Bay and to change community consciousness relating to environmental issues to achieve intelligent co-existence in Plettenberg Bay.

 

O.R.C.A. (Ocean Research Conservation Africa) works in partnership with both the Centre for Dolphin Studies and Ocean Blue Adventures.  If you are passionate about the conservation and sustainability of marine coastal systems, then O.R.C.A. is the ideal project for you.

 

Volunteer Work

 

During your stay in Plettenberg Bay (one of the most breathtaking and serene outdoor classrooms in Southern Africa), you will be lucky enough to witness the power and grace of whales, the exuberance of dolphins, the playfulness of seals, and the majestic beauty of mountain, forest and coastal ecosystems. Above all, being an O.R.C.A. volunteer will allow you to actively participate in conserving our marine life for future generations. Through our O.R.C.A. marine conservation projects, you will help the team manage this marine and coastal zone in a sustainable manner and in the process experience the community, culture and environment in a more intimate way than most visitors.

 

The experienced O.R.C.A. team will help settle you into the program and provide ongoing guidance and mentorship during your stay. You will have the opportunity to take on individual projects, if desired, or integrate with the team.  From assisting the research teams to helping with the community outreach programme, you will find your own way to contribute.

 

All volunteer activities support the conservation and social objectives of the O.R.C.A Marine Foundation. Volunteers will get involved with many of the following (as many activities are weather or seasonally dependent):

 

• Participating in community development and education programmes in local disadvantaged communities (e.g. Qolweni Pre-School).

 

• Organizing and presenting at provincial/national marine and coastal awareness campaigns (such as National Environment Week, National Marine Week, and Youth Day) when they occur.

 

• Experiencing and assisting in amazing marine eco-tourism with Ocean Blue Adventures (whale and dolphin watching).

 

• Monitoring and cleaning campaigns on beaches and coastal regions.

 

• Maintaining, cleaning and collecting food for O.R.C.A.’s aquarium species, which are used for education and conservation purposes.

 

• Sampling, tagging, and monitoring of local fish species.

 

• Fin profiling and spatial distribution programs.

 

• Assisting with O.R.C.A.’s carbon reduction program and removal of alien plant species.

 

• Enjoying educational presentations on conservation and ecological topics.

 

Volunteer placements are always changing and varied, and particularly dependent on weather conditions.  Bad weather may delay conservation/research activities and result in some indoor activities and courses.  Of course, we do our best to get the boats into the ocean as much as possible, although safety comes first.

 

Marine Guiding Course

 

Volunteers staying for 4 weeks or longer have the opportunity to partake in the Marine Guiding Course to qualify as a local marine guide as well as  the Competent Crew Course where volunteers learn basic boat skills, radio work, safety at sea etc.

 

Marine Strandings Course

 

All interested volunteers can participate in the marine strandings course. This is an introduction to first aid for marine animals who strand on our beaches.

 

Other Activities

 

The atmosphere is one of ‘mixing it with the locals’ and O.R.C.A. volunteers are welcomed into local programs and enjoy all kinds of fun extra activities. Rental cars and taxis are available to hire for after hours and weekend activities.

 

Leisure activities in Plett include horseback riding, golf, angling, sailing, scuba diving and surfing, as well as hiking and bird-watching in nearby Robberg, Keurbooms River and Tsitsikamma Nature Reserves. Other highly recommended activities include treetop canopy tours or bungee jumps off the 216m Bloukrans River Bridge (the highest bridge jump in the world)!

 

Field Conditions

 

Plettenberg Bay is a beach-lover’s paradise.  Plett is characterised by sweeping, unspoilt golden beaches, a dramatic rocky peninsula, intriguing estuaries, towering indigenous forests and breathtaking rivers and sea. With its exceptional climate and beautiful viewsover the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay is an idyllic location for a volunteer holiday.

 

The O.R.C.A. volunteer house is very cute.  It is located near the beach, within close proximity to a shopping centre with shops, cinemas, restaurants and bars, and approximately one mile from the O.R.C.A. office in Plettenberg Bay.

 

The house is self-catering, with shared bedroom and bathroom facilities. Basic food for meals is provided at the house. Evening meals are prepared for volunteers six nights per week, though volunteers are also welcome to eat out.  Volunteers may need to pack a lunch for certain activities, but will be informed of this ahead of time when such situations arise.

 

Laundry facilities are available for volunteers, and Teliswa does communal washing weekly.

 

A communal telephone line is available at the volunteer house. The phone can receive incoming calls and make outgoing calls on a world calling card (available at nearby shops). There is ADSL access to the internet at the volunteer house. Skype  is available to those who have access as well as satellite television.

 

Training / Qualifications

 

The program is limited to 12 volunteers to provide a more intimate and personal experience.  Training will be given in various aspects of marine conservation.  No experience is necessary to join.

 

Age Requirement

 

O.R.C.A. accepts volunteers of 16+ years of age.  Volunteers under 16 years old are only considered when accompanied by a parent/guardian.  There isn’t a maximum age limit, though a reasonable fitness level is necessary.

 

Costs

 

Volunteer Contribution:

 

1 week: GB£595 / US$995

 

2 weeks: GB£895 / US$1495

 

3 weeks: GB£1195 / US$1995

 

4 weeks: GB£1495 / US$2495

 

Extra weeks: GB£295 / US$495 per week

 

Please Note:

 

Volunteers receive a $100 discount when joining multiple Enkosini programs.

 

Enkosini uses USD rates as standard due to currency fluctuations. GBP rates are indications of approx recent values. Currency convertor at www.xe.com.

 

Volunteer contributions cover meals, accommodation, activities, transfers from Plettenberg Bay to O.R.C.A., and project donation. Flights and travel/medical insurance are NOT included. The only additional spending money required will be for personal purchases, social excursions away from O.R.C.A., and pre/post project travel.  We do not have discounted rates for partial weeks.

 

Please bear in mind that the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing your placement!

 

Dates

 

The O.R.C.A. program doesn’t have set dates, though we do try to coordinate arrivals/departures on Sundays whenever possible so that volunteers begin the program together on Mondays.

 

http://www.enkosini.org/ORCAWhale&DolphinResearch.htm

 

3.)  Citizen Science: American Eel Research, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Various locations in New York State

 

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a migratory fish that is born in the Atlantic Ocean and enters North American tributaries as tiny “glass eels”. The species is in decline over much of its range, and baseline studies of migrations are crucial for management.

 

Teams of scientists, students, and community volunteers collect glass eels using net and trap devices on several Hudson River tributaries each spring. The juvenile fish are counted, weighed, and released alive, and other environmental data is recorded. At several sites, herring surveys are also conducted.

 

The project involves students and teachers directly with scientific design and field methods. Students experience their local ecosystem firsthand, and collect important information about migrating fish and environmental conditions over an entire season.

•Check out results from 2013 in the Hudson River American Eel Research Project Overview (PDF, 1.89 mB)

•Download the Hudson River Eel Project Report (PDF) (1.34 mB), which covers results from 2008-2013

 

Information for Volunteers

 

Project Description: Volunteers will check nets one or more days per week. It takes approximately 45 minutes to sample each day. All gear and materials are provided, but personal transportation to the site is required. You should be willing to work outside under variable conditions, wear waders into the stream, and work collaboratively within a team of students and volunteers. The project is fun and provides important data on eel migration.

•Download our Volunteer Flyer (PDF, 255 kB)

 

Contact:

Zoraida Maloney: ztmalone@gw.dec.state.ny.us;  (845) 889-4745  x.107

Chris Bowser: chbowser@gw.dec.state.ny.us

 

Sample streams include:

 

High school students collect eels on a local stream

Poughkeepsie High School students collect

glass eels on the Fall Kill

•Richmond Creek in Staten Island

•Bronx River in the Bronx

•Saw Mill in Yonkers

•Furnace Brook in Cortlandt

•Minisceongo Creek in West Haverstraw

•Indian Brook at Constitution Marsh in Cold Spring

•Quassaick Creek in Newburgh

•Fall Kill in Poughkeepsie

•Crum Elbow Creek in Hyde Park

•Black Creek in Esopus

•Saw Kill in Annandale-on-Hudson

•Hannacroix Creek in New Baltimore

 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/49580.html

 

4.)  Volunteer Positions, Devils Tower National Monument, Devils Tower, WY

 

Devils Tower National Monument has a very active volunteer program. Our VIPs (Volunteers-in-the-Parks) help support the Monument in a variety of ways. There are five basic positions that are recruited for at the Monument:

1.Visitor Center Assistant – provides information and orientation to park visitors; assists with junior ranger programs; roves hiking trails and prairie dog town

2.Climbing – provides information to climbers; assists with climbing patrols

3.Maintenance – performs a variety of maintenance tasks such as trash collection, construction or repair of trails, cleaning, small projects, etc.

4.Adminstrative Clerk – Answers phones, assists with filing, inputing of data, etc.

5.Campground Host – provides information and assistance to visitors camping in monument; roves campground

 

http://www.nps.gov/deto/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm

 

5.)  Wildlife Intern, Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, Hollandale , MS

http://www.thesca.org/wildlife-intern/po-00188061

 

6.)  Public Affairs Intern (local preferred),  Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Gainesville, GA

 

This position would work from the Forest Supervisor’s Office located in Gainesville, Georgia. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, hundreds of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is part of the Southern Region, with the Forest Supervisor’s office managing four District units in Blairsville (Blue Ridge District), Lakemont (Chattooga River District), Chatsworth (Conasauga District), and Eatonton (Oconee District).

 

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests public affairs intern is expected to have a high level of experience with social media, and be able to think strategically and see how social media fits into a marketing strategy. The intern must be able to assist in formulating social media plans and then carry them out with direction of the Public Affairs team. S/he must be able to measure and document the impact of social media, and then suggest action-steps to increase impact.Specific tasks include:

•Researches, understands and follows Forest Service social media policies and guidelines

•Monitors USDA and Forest Service social media accounts (Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, blog, etc.)

•Helps to tell our story by developing strategic marketing plans, including characteristics and needs of the target audiences, communication techniques most appropriate, and recommended approaches

•Works with the Public Affairs team to write and post feature articles, blogs, tweets, etc.

•Tracks growth and impact of social media efforts

•Shoots and edits videos to USDA standards, uploads videos

•Photographs sites and events on the forest, edits photos, catalogues and tags photos, creates metadata, uploads photos

•Contributes content for forest website including photos, videos and written articles

•Explores new ways to connect with young audiences

•Reaches out to diverse, minority and urban audiences

•Seeks out opportunities to partner in existing programs and projects, leveraging Forest Service resources

 

Skills and attributes interns are expected to have:

•Excellent written communication skills

•Creative!

•Interest in the outdoors, the national forest and conservation issues

•Extensive knowledge of social media –Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, blogs, etc.

•Ability to develop a marketing plan using a standard process and template as provided

•Knowledge of digital media software – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom are pluses

•Knowledge of video editing software – Premiere Elements is a plus

•Willingness to create blogs, write press releases, create videos, and post tweets daily

•Energy, with a desire to come up with fresh ideas

•Ability to identify a target market and “speak” to that audience through social media

•Experience proofreading and editing

•Willingness to explore sites on the forest, taking photos, shooting video, talking to visitors, participating in conservation work

 

There is potential for this position to be extended beyond 12 weeks. This position is not eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award.

 

http://www.thesca.org/public-affairs-intern-local-preferred/po-00345364

 

7.)  Sanctuary Ambassador, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Scituate, MA

 

Volunteer with Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and significantly contribute to our ongoing education and conservation efforts. In return, you can explore interests, develop marketable skills, enrich your own education, discover new talents, have fun, and make a difference.

 

•Complete a volunteer application (PDF file, 32KB). Fax or mail the completed, signed form to:

Anne-Marie Runfola, Volunteer Coordinator

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

175 Edward Foster Rd.

Scituate, MA 02066

781-545-8036 (f)

Contact Anne-Marie with questions and ideas: anne-marie.runfola@noaa.gov, or 781-545-8026

http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/involved/vol_open.html

 

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:

1.) Director, Corporate Relations, National Wildlife Federation, Reston, VA

http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH18/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=NWF&cws=1&rid=553

 

2.)  Volunteer Programs Assistant, The Pacific Crest Trail Association, Sacramento CA

 

Work passionately on behalf of the finest hiking and equestrian trail. Our work place matches the quality of trail that we steward. Join us.

 

The Pacific Crest Trail Association, headquartered in Sacramento, California is dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The following staff position is currently open:

 

Volunteer Programs Assistant

 

In this position you will have the opportunity to:

 

Recruit and support trail crew volunteers

 

Maintain website updates for volunteer projects to ensure content is fresh, current, and concise

 

Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service to volunteers

 

Work to develop new volunteer opportunities and assist in filling these positions

 

Ensure that volunteers are continually recognized and rewarded for their work

 

The Volunteer Programs Assistant is a key full-time staff position working in the Sacramento office. Salary is dependent on qualifications. Benefits include health insurance, a contribution to a 401k plan, 11 paid holidays, paid vacation and paid sick leave.

 

We are seeking applicants with:

 

A bachelor’s degree

 

Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience that involves work with volunteers and work with nonprofit organizations

 

Ability to work independently to bring a project to completion and skills in facilitating partnerships, developing collaborative projects, prioritizing and managing multiple tasks

 

Excellent organizational, analytical, writing and oral presentation skills

 

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills

 

Ability to interact well with a wide range of people of all levels within and outside the organization

 

Strong research and information gathering skills

 

Strong computer literacy; database experience

 

Able to work independently and as part of a team

 

Positive, flexible, creative attitude and a sense of humor

 

Ability and willingness to travel on the PCT

 

Ability and willingness to travel and work a variable schedule including weekends

 

Trail crew volunteer opportunities experience

 

Familiarity and interest in environmental issues, trails, and backcountry recreation

 

Submit application by August 29th. Please e-mail resume, letter of interest detailing applicable qualifications, list of three references, and salary history to hr@pcta.org with the subject Volunteer Programs Assistant. Review the documents below for more information.

http://www.ecojobs.com/jobs_details.php?sec=3EW&AID=86007

 

3.)  Executive Director, Wyoming Wilderness Association, Sheridan WY

http://www.ecojobs.com/jobs_details.php?sec=1EW&AID=85951

 

4.)  Interpretation/Visitor Services Intern, Interpretation/Visitor Services Intern, Charleston , SC

http://www.thesca.org/interpretationvisitor-services-intern/po-00378741

 

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