A proposed project that requires fieldwork demands a lot of meticulous and thought-through plans for how the data will be collected and how it will answer the proposed questions. When my coworker and I were brought into the project, everything was already set up for us – the kayaks and supplies, the iPads for data collection, the binoculars and scopes for spotting turtles, and then the survey protocol for observing turtles at ponds. What we did not predict would be all the obstacles that would come our way when working in an aquatic environment.

               Despite feeling so prepared, I realized I had a lot to learn when it came to knowing myself. I learned that I’m not on the ball first thing in the morning, so preparations must be done the night before. I learned that despite labels stating that the equipment is waterproof, it doesn’t mean it will always come out the other side of a rapid as waterproof. The iPad provided to me in a waterproof case almost fried after a particularly wet trip on the river. Ever since, I double waterproofed my electric equipment by keeping it in a clear, waterproof dry bag. It proved a bit cumbersome when viewing the screen and inputting data, in particular typing out comments. However, it was a reliable method to keeping the field iPad dry.

               My coworker and I planned out sections of the river to survey based on safety and viability. We received professional opinions about which sections were safe and not recommended. We looked at maps and note rapids that weren’t noted before. Even when prepared, there would be surprises that were out of our control. In retrospect, we called these “surprise rapids.” Surprise rapids would appear when water levels dropped and because nature is not constrained by what is on a map. Any rapids we could see from the road we would analyze and make a judgement call on whether we could do it, and how we would overcome the rapid. Otherwise, we would analyze and judge the rapid on the river. Looking back, I’m amazed with how I was able to get through most of the rapids. We had close calls when one of us flipped off the kayak, and it was always scary when it happened. If the safety course didn’t happen, we wouldn’t know what to do.

               Reflecting on my project, I am amazed by all the hard work that my coworker, my three supervisors, and I put in to make this project work. A team of women came together, focused on getting a better picture on where Western Pond Turtles live along the Klamath River, and came through with positive results. Overcoming the obstacles taught me how to know and understand myself. On top of that, forgive myself when I mess up, and come back with solutions to prevent future mistakes. It was a unique project that made me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’ll always cherish this fellowship experience as happy memories.

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Program: US Fish & Wildlife Service - DFP

Location: Yreka Fish and Wildlife Office