Become a caretaker, not just taker, of nature

[ With Melissa DeVaughn ]

Published: January 2nd, 2008 10:06 PM
Last Modified: January 3rd, 2008 05:09 AM

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Driving the Alaska High- way in 1995, I itched for the adventures that lay ahead of me. Twenty-seven years old and hauling my worldly possessions behind me, the thought of living in Alaska was incredibly freeing. My mind wandered from one planned adventure to the next -- backpacking, camping, climbing, rafting. In my mind, I was going to do it all, conquer every mountain, visit every river.

Because, of course, it was all about me. That's how it is when you are that young and free of any major responsibility.

My first home in Alaska was a 400-square-foot cabin that used to be a garden shed, according to the owners, who quickly became friends. The little gray house overlooked the shores of Cook Inlet, and from the giant picture window in the living room I had a perfectly framed view of Mount Redoubt. Sometimes, I would sit on my flimsy handmade futon, sipping tea and watching the sun set behind Redoubt and think that I had landed in heaven.

Living on the outskirts of Kasilof, I had unknowingly arrived in dog mushing country, and the sport was a perfect match. I loved the commingling of backcountry adventure and spending time with animals. It paired well with things that mattered most to me. Soon, I was handling dog teams for co-workers, running small teams with friends and feeling like I was the luckiest person for having followed my dreams. I had no intentions of leaving.

That was more than 12 years ago, and things, as they have a way of doing, changed.

The short version is this: For love, I moved to the big city, leaving the simpler life behind for the state's biggest city, Anchorage. While it came with a price -- no longer did I have that rural slice of perfection -- it also brought with it opportunity, family, a feeling of belonging and, finally, a sense of responsibility.

That word, "responsibility," once terrified me, but now, after being in the community of Eagle River/Chugiak for more than a decade, it is almost a matter of pride. While I still spend my free time exploring the trails and backcountry of Southcentral Alaska, I also feel a sort of ownership about it, as if it is no longer just my duty to use it but also caretake a little. I want Alaska's green spaces to be here long after my life is over. I want my children to be able to run dogs on trails just outside the city. I want their children to be able to access the wilderness and appreciate Alaska's beauty.

With this in mind, I thought I'd share a few ways we can all become better outdoors stewards in the coming year. Whether it's building trails or monitoring streams for toxins, we can, each of us, make Alaska a better place to be outdoors.

1. Adopt a Trail: Use the trails regularly? Why not consider taking on the maintenance of a section near you? This muni-run program can apply to groups, families, friends or individuals. There also are options for adopting parks, gardens and other green spaces. www.muni.org/parks/volunteerops.cfm

2. Monitor streams: Toxins in water can be attributed to everything from fish population fluctuations to public health concerns. Do your part to make sure Southcentral's water stays clean. The Anchorage Water- ways Council provides training and equipment. www.anchoragecreeks.org

3. Be a ski patroller: Alpenglow at Arctic Valley is always looking for volunteers to help run its community-operated ski area. Volunteers get to ski for free as well as help this tenacious, longtime ski area continue to serve the masses. Trainings are Jan. 12 and Feb. 9. www.skialpenglow.com

4. Become a citizen scientist birder: Help Cornell University's bird-research program, Project FeederWatch, as it monitors the health of bird species. All it requires is a good ear for birdsong calls and a good eye for spotting Alaska's birds. www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw

5. Teach skiing to those with special needs: Challenge Alaska is a longtime Alaska organization that pairs skiers and snowboarders with those whose disabilities limit their own experiences. www.challengealaska.org

6. Become a Bird TLC volunteer: If working one-on-one with wildlife is your goal, the Bird Treatment and Learning Center is a great place to get started. Help feed, handle or educate the public on the importance of keeping Alaska's wild birds wild and safe. www.birdtlc.net

7. Join the Trail Watch: The municipality began a great program of volunteers to help keep the 130-plus-mile trail system safer for users. To date, about 340 folks have signed up to keep a watchful eye on those trails, as well as the 160 miles of unpaved trails. www.muni.org/trailwatch

8. Volunteer in the parks: Alaska State Parks is always looking for volunteers to help with everything from running campgrounds to pulling weeds to doing trail work. www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/vip/factshet.htm

Have your own suggestions? I'd love to hear them, as well. E-mail me at mdevaughn@adn.com

• Play outdoor columnist Melissa DeVaughn can be reached at adn.com/contact/mdevaughn or call 257-4482.

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