Hello all, my name is Zach Hinman and I’m the new AmeriCorps
member here at the Cascadia Conservation District. Those who came before me and
have posted wonderful blogs since 2011 all introduced themselves with their
very first post. Carrying on tradition, I’d like to share a bit about myself. I’d
also like to give you an idea of my role within the Cascadia Conservation
District this year.
I graduated from the University of Idaho in 2010 and have
since held a variety of positions from teacher, to river guide to blueberry
picker. When I’m not fulfilling the duties of any given title, I’m often on, in
or near rivers. I’m a white water enthusiast, avid fly fisherman and a
lackadaisical hiker and biker. I grew up not too far from here in Bend, OR. While
it’s easy to appreciate the similarities between my hometown and Wenatchee, I’m
looking forward to discovering the unique features the valley has to offer.
My position here at Cascadia is not dissimilar from the
position I held last year as environmental educator at the Franklin
Conservation District in Pasco, WA. Like last year, for the first several
months of my stint here I’ll spend the majority of my time teaching Water on
Wheels in elementary school classrooms. Water on Wheels is a hands on science
program focusing on the importance of watersheds, soil and water. In 2015 my duties here will change. I’m
looking forward to this part of my service term where I’ll begin assisting the
conservation district with their annual projects.
I’m excited about my new position here in Wenatchee and I
look forward to exploring North Central Washington. I’ll do my best to keep you
all posted on conservation district news and events in an exciting and relevant
way. I encourage everyone to leave questions, comments and concerns.
As a final thought I’d like to remind everyone of the
forthcoming due date for our Picture the Wenatchee photo contest. Those
excellent photos you've all been taking in the Wenatchee River Watershed this
year can be submitted from now until October 1st. 12 winning photos
will be used in our 2015 calendar. You can find details and make submissions at
picturethewenatchee.com.
P.S. The Wenatchee River Salmon Festival will take place
this weekend, September 18-20th, at the Leavenworth National Fish
Hatchery. There will be art, food, games and more. Find our booth for an
interactive watershed model!
-Zach
