Meet environmental conservationists, Gillian, Kindal, and Joe

They recently returned to the east coast from a seven month long stewardship at the Denali National Preserve. Gillian, local to the Schoharie Valley, and Joe, from New York City, spent their time in the Denali National Park Service as Interpretation Rangers. They gave guided hikes, campground educational sessions, ranger talks, and ultimately connected visitors to the land by helping them make an emotional connections with the environment. Kindal, from Oregon, spent her time in Denali working for Alaska Geographic, a company whose profits go to the Alaska Forest Service. Gillian recently graduated with her bachelors degree in animal behavior. She aspires to teach future generations about animal conservation. Kindal’s specialty is guest services but she is aspiring to one day have a career in atmospheric and oceanic science. Currently, she is enjoying her work with environmental nonprofits. Joe graduated with a degree in environmental studies, but is now focusing on becoming a commercial pilot. These friends say that while in Alaska, their experiences taught them many life lessons like no other place but Alaska could. They described the Alaskan wilderness as unforgiving, wild, magical, and majestic. One of the most important lessons that they learned while there is that it is important to push yourself out of your comfort zone to be able to fully embrace experiences. By doing that, one learns so much about themselves. They said that Alaska is vast, incredible and life-changing. The one thing they want to tell the world is, “Life is too short to not be doing what you love! Be brave! Don’t let anything stop you.” Thank you so very much for sharing your amazing Alaskan experience with us, for being the future generation of stewards of the earth, and for visiting us!