Forestry Crew Week One

          Three weeks ago, GPI’s Forestry Crew kicked off the season with four days at the Suiattle Guard Station, a historic cabin built in 1913 for the US Forest Service. With the goal of workforce development, the Forestry Crew provides local high schoolers with a job, new skills and science education, and a rich connection to the outdoors. The Guard Station ended up being the perfect location to get started and learn and work together!

            After more than a century, the Guard Station needs to be restored before transforming into its next role: an Airbnb rental. The Forestry Crew had the opportunity to fix up the site with our work on the outhouse and grounds. Tasks included brushing around the property, mowing, scraping old paint from the outhouse before repainting it, building new trails and a fire pit, and moving wood piles for easier burning.

            Some of the highlights from the week took place in the car as we drove to and from the Guard Station each day. We saw a black bear run across the road, which paired perfectly with our conversations about local wildlife. One of my roles in the Forestry Crew is as an educator, but I have also learned so much from the youth; one of our Crew members has a wealth of knowledge about fishing, hunting, and the local geography, and he shared several interesting facts, such as the temperaments of different salmon species.

            Spending our days at a picturesque cabin and seeing our work pay off was another highlight. The yard and outhouse look brand new, and we’re excited to have played a part in restoring this fascinating piece of local history! We will not, however, miss the mosquitoes, which followed us in swarms each day. In the end, the bugs were worth it, and we’re excited for our future hitches. Stay tuned for more updates from the Forestry Crew as we travel around the North Cascades!

Keathley P.B., Forestry Crew Intern