My conservation season training began last Wednesday with grip hoist/rigging training. By the end of the three days, we had created an aerial system that transported rocks from the top of a hill to the bottom, by lifting them up and then belaying the rocks down. It was pretty cool. I also learned how to climb a tree just using slings that I put up myself and an arborist's ladder with a rope you flip up the tree to keep you from falling. Today, I've been learning about the basics of chainsaw maintenance and preparing for my leave no trace backpacking trip tomorrow. We're driving up into the white mountains then meeting our trainers and backpacking in about 2-3 miles while learning about the leave no trace principles. After Wed, I'll be a certified leave no trace trainer. Which means that I will be able to teach other people about the leave no trace principles.

Just a reminder, I'll be shaving my head May 15th for St. Baldricks.