Surviving Winter: A WCC Perspective by PJ Heusted
Fall and winter is a hard time for those of us that work out in the field. Cold wind, endless rain, and the sun setting at almost 4:00 p.m. are just a few of the factors that make it more difficult to stay comfortable, keep morale high, and be motivated to spend long days in the field. Despite the challenges that winter brings, here are ways that the we stay warm and happy during the cold months:
Warm Beverages (but NOT just Coffee)
Staying hydrated in the winter tends to feel much harder than in the summer where a tall glass of cold water can seem like the exact way to beat the heat. In the winter, I opt for a variety of warm beverages to both keep me hydrated and keep me warm. This does mean keeping a careful watch on caffeine intake though because coffee is famously dehydrating; consider swapping out the late morning or afternoon cups of coffee with warm decaffeinated teas, lemon water, or hot broth.
Hand Warmers in All Pockets and Gloves
One of my favorite parts of planting season is spending my days with my boots on the ground and my hands in the dirt, but when it’s near freezing temperatures and the hole I’ve just dug is full of freezing mud it can be hard to keep fingers warm. I often opt for hand warmers in my pockets and – when I’m not actively putting my hands in the mud – keeping them shoved in my gloves as well. Most people are familiar with the single-use, disposable sets, but I’ve recently discovered rechargeable or reusable hand warmers and they might just be a game changer.
Stay Connected to Your “Why”
I find that reminding myself why I do the work that I do and what I value about conservation to be the best way to stay motivated to keep getting up and making the drive down to work. Working with Skagit Fisheries makes it easy to see the progress that we make on site and across the valley which helps to keep me wanting to get back out there and keep making a difference … even when the conditions try to make that hard.
Layering like a Pro
For those of us who are familiar with the nature of a PNW winter, we know that a single day can feature the weather of a dozen. Many times I’ve found myself at work bundled up for a cold winter’s day and by the end of it found myself regretting wearing my heaviest base layers. The alternative being true as well having checked the weather the night before and packed accordingly only to wake up and find that Mother Nature decided to flip the switch and drench us instead. Layering smart and packing for any weather is the only way to stay comfortable and dry out in the field.
Hot Lunch Wednesday
One of my favorite crew traditions has been hosting a Hot Lunch Wednesday where we cook ourselves a tailgate lunch off a camping stove. Peppering in a day where I don’t have to worry about packing a full lunch, have something warm and delicious to look forward to, and get to enjoy a meal other than crackers and fish from a can does wonders for morale on the darkest coldest days of the year.
How Spawner Surveys Have Put My Education Into Perspective by Spawner Survey Intern Adam Martinez
A mere 6 months ago, I was sitting in a college classroom learning about stream ecology, finishing up 6 years of college classes preparing me for a career in Environmental Science. It wasn’t clear what I wanted to do or where I would land, or even if I wanted to stay in the environmental science field. However, I now find myself as SFEG’s Spawner Survey intern, learning more about the importance of salmon and steps being taken to enhance their environments in hopes of increasing their abundance. It’s been an interesting transition, something I feel like I was prepared for but in ways I didn’t expect. Upon completing my academic coursework and embarking on the quest for an internship, I initially anticipated engaging in fieldwork, sample collection, and laboratory tasks—activities that had constituted a significant portion of my collegiate experience over the past two years at Western Washington University.
To my surprise, while acknowledging the valuable experiences and lessons gained through my education, it became evident that my extracurricular interests played a pivotal role in my success at SFEG. My passion for the outdoors, be it hiking to scenic vistas, exploring bodies of water, or strolling along the beach in search of geological specimens, mirrored the tasks involved in spawner surveys. Although my academic background furnished essential context for my current responsibilities, its contribution took a unique form. The interpersonal skills cultivated during my academic journey, marked by the connections and relationships built with peers and professors, emerged as a crucial asset. The ability to build rapport with fellow students significantly contributed to my academic achievements, as their support and collaboration proved instrumental in overcoming challenges. Given the occasionally unpredictable nature of spawner surveys, the presence of a reliable companion not only facilitates the tasks at hand but also enhances the overall experience, providing a sense of mutual support and collaboration.
My tenure as SFEG’s spawner survey intern has been very enriching. The practical application of real-world data, collected by both myself and dedicated volunteers, has underscored the tangible value of my collegiate education. Participating in outreach events, such as Salmon Sightings, has added an interactive dimension to my responsibilities, offering unexpected yet gratifying experiences. I’m looking forward to the rest of the spawner surveys this season and can’t wait for all the experiences that are still to come!
Adam on site at Riverfront Park, ready to help with bridge construction
