By Beckett Wagner and Isaac Miller

This year CDTC brought on two interns, Beckett Wagner and Isaac Miller, to lead volunteers in stewardship of the CDT as Field Instructors. Traveling up and down the Divide, from New Mexico to Montana, they led CDTC Adopter trainings, contributed to long-term project support, and provided leadership for our volunteer trail crews. Over the course of the season, they worked with over 100 volunteers, trained 16 new trail adopters, and addressed over 20 miles of maintenance, including clearing 300 trees and constructing 1.7 miles of new CDT. Beckett and Isaac both came to the job with previous experience in conservation and stewardship, and brought the skills needed to lead volunteers for a successful season. However, they realized while in the field that there was still lots to learn along the way. Each field instructor reflected on their favorite parts of the season and what they learned.

Beckett:

“I think the greatest thing I learned from working with CDTC this summer is the importance of grassroots enthusiasm and volunteerism for the outdoors, as well as my own role as a leader. Having the opportunity to come into multiple different communities and get dirty, working side by side with the people who use this trail most, was always an eye opening exchange of knowledge and stewardship. Land, just like anything else, is so closely entwined with our identity and I’m looking forward to seeing how much the land shapes us as we shape the land.”

Isaac:

“I learned that there are a surprising number of people willing to go the distance for public lands and that they are willing to step up and volunteer their time and resources to do trail work in the face of land management agency setbacks and funding cuts, and all else 2020 has brought. When I was struggling to maintain enthusiasm during certain parts of the season, the volunteers helped make up for it and made me re-appreciate the unique nature of the work I’ve done for a living the past eight years.”

From the weary satisfaction of summiting a peak to the bison who stands in the middle of the trail stopping work for 40 minutes, the 2020 field season brought its share of laughs, frustrations, and awe-inspiring moments. Trail work wouldn’t be the same without its ups and downs and, in some ways, that’s what keeps people coming back. Our field instructors share their favorite parts of the season:

Beckett:

“One of my favorite parts of this season was working in Yellowstone! Yellowstone National Park was where I got my start in conservation work, so visiting the park was like a reunion. We even stayed in the same backcountry cabin that I stayed in during field work in 2015. After work we got to go sightseeing and catch some beautiful sunsets.”

Isaac:

“This season was unique for me in that it’s the first season I got to work in a new state. Before this year, I worked in every state the CDT crosses except New Mexico, so it was very rewarding to end up in New Mexico and do a lot of good work there. I’d say camping at Togwotee Pass for our Adopter Training was one of the best times, full of great moments and scenery. From getting a bird’s eye view of a black bear rummaging through the willows to reach the river and clumsily dunk its head in the water, to having our training interrupted by a sewage truck cleaning out a pit toilet as we all gasped for non-stinky air to breath. All fun times!”

2020 has been a wild year of changes and the outdoor community is not immune to the reaches of the pandemic. This year, our whole field programs staff had to adapt to the shifting needs of our partners and volunteers. Projects evolved, policies were developed, and limited capacities brought uncertainty as to what our summer season would look like. But, despite the challenges, CDTC accomplished a lot on the trail and establish lasting connections in a year of social distancing. We’re grateful for Beckett and Isaac’s leadership in the field and all the work they completed with volunteers on the trail.

Beckett Wagner is an exuberant outdoor enthusiast with a passion to promote the outdoors to minority groups. When not outside you can find them listening to Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, at the dog park with their dog Red, and planning their next adventure.

Isaac Miller is a former multi-season trail crew member and current outdoor recreationist. In the off-season, you can find him in the desert riding bikes or hunkered down cooking some healthy instant pot meals!