Day 13

 July 20th

Location: Tshimikain creek, Sand creek

 

Today is the last day of our trip. We had an amazing field day today and met many people while doing work with the Spokane’s Tribes Natural Resource Department. We worked today with three people specifically, Calvin, Lars, and Donovan. Calvin has been doing this type of work since 2017 and started at a specialist fishery for endangered species and is now a water resource specialist. Lars is a veteran in the field and shared lots of his information with us. Unfortunately, today was one of the days that it was difficult to take notes while out in the field but for me is one of the more memorable days. Donovan is working with the department for the summer through the Spokane Youth Program for Tribal Members. Which I think is just amazing to be able to see these programs being in place and be able to make an impact on the younger generation to help them discover new passions and future career opportunities.

We started off at one of their restoration sites where they are planting Pine and Aspen Trees. We made our way down to a nearby creek and filled their water tank up. I noticed that while we were watering a lot of the holes were empty and they loss quite a bit of trees, but last year was their first year attempting this. There were also a couple of trees that had protective covers on them in order to prevent animals from grazing on it and potentially causing the loss of a tree. The reason for the planting of these trees is because we do not want open land near a stream. The plants roots provide excellent stability to the soil and prevents major erosion to the area when natural meandering occurs. Not to mention, the shade they provide is also important for these areas.

We travelled to another site located on Sand Creek to do a stream assessment which helps determine the quality and health. Zach, Jordon and I travelled along their transect line which consisted of 20 points where we collected data that were 5 meters apart while Calvin assisted and wrote down the data. Zach used a device which helped determine the shade coverage from the trees and that data would have been taken from the middle of the stream of where we were located. While I am not quite sure how the device worked, I did notice that he would line it up with surrounding trees from both sides of the bank and it would provide a measurement of coverage for us. Jordon and I worked together to measure the width and Zach and I would take measurements of the depths in three different areas. Two of those depths came from ¼ of the way in from the left and right side of the bank and one would be taken of the middle of it. We also took turns determining the slope of the bank. I do know that Calvin had his own data to record as well but only remember two out of the three descriptions being used which were, ripple and pool. We all came together to determine the number of woody debris located at each site.

When we arrived back to our campsite, we took a short break and did our gram stain for the South Fork Walla Walla water sample and determined whether the cultured bacteria can breakdown starch or not.

It being our last day we came together as a group and had a moment to talk about our personal experiences, not just about the trip but other aspects of our life as well. Although I have avoided writing about my own experience during this trip, it is something that I should include because the group I was with really did make an impact on me. I was extremely nervous going into this trip for many reasons. I had never been away from home for that long, let alone without my family but as I said in the talk-circle, “I wouldn’t have done this trip with a different group of people.” While I love my family, our relationship is complicated and we are not that close. I did not talk as much as I should have because I just did not know where to start but this trip really has made a lasting impact on me. Not just the places we travelled through and to but the friendships I was able to make.

Recently, I moved cities to just get a fresh start. Just before coming on this trip, I was in a position in life where I just felt lonely. Everything I had ever known was an hour away from me, except for living with my sister, her boyfriend and dog.  Every day, it was just the same routine. Wake up, work, go to the gym, listen to music, read books and just doing what I need to get done but not really enjoying anything. I even thought that I would need to take more time off from school, that I was not as ready as I thought I was. But this trip alone showed me that I still have the strength to pull through. That I can pick my head up again and enjoy the little things in life. I would literally stop to smell the flowers; I would stargaze and go on walks and actually observe what was going on around me. 

I wanted to go home everyday but while packing my tent one final time, loading the cars with all our belongings and one final car ride together I could not get rid of this bittersweet taste from my mouth. Here I was having to say goodbye to the people who not only supported me in the field while working but gave me their emotional support as well. We joked all the time. We laughed and shared stories. There was not a single time where we did not get along. To be able to maintain relationships through and through with no disagreements, clashes, or arguments is so rare and special, especially as adults when having time to ourselves is almost sacred to us. I am glad I was able to be a part of that opportunity. For strangers to come together and bond the way that we did was truly spectacular. Even after our longest and hardest days out in the field we all made the best of it. Some of us would even have movie nights once we had gotten all our work done. I can honestly say, that I am sitting here at home working on this portion waiting to hear a familiar voice, crack a joke, make a comment or to just be in good company. On my post-trip questionnaire, we were asked if we would do this trip again, I said no. I realize now that I lied and if I could do it again, I would.