Larch march or larch March?

Where was this taken?

Nice pic but that doesn't look this this time of year at all

My experience went like this. I graduated with a degree in Wildlife and Restoration Ecology. I wanted to get a job at a fish hatchery but I applied to a lot of different areas. I would either get a rejection email saying I didn't have enough experience or would get no response at all. I even DID have experience through volunteering with Fish and Wildlife and at a raptor rehab center, but they would specify PAID experience. I only applied to full time, permanent positions though since I had bills and couldn't afford the uncertainty of part time or seasonal positions. After 5 years I just gave up and figured I'd be working retail forever. I finally lucked out and found a position at a public aviary, but it was really pure dumb luck that I got it. So, as far as I know, if you want a career with Fish and Wildlife you probably need to start as a seasonal and work your way up.

There's the spruce railroad trail on lake crescent

Your momma

No. They are hidden.

Savings bonds, if used for college tuition, are tax free when cashed. At least used to be.

Fair enough! It’s been like 15 years since I did that but I faintly recall there were some paid internships as well, so I would still recommend checking their website out to see if there’s anything local that pays!

I believe they do have seasonal jobs. Good luck to you!

I don’t think I live close enough right now so Hopefully they have some seasonal positions, maybe I could find a way to do it for just summers or something like that. Working with the NPS is in my future for sure, When I’m in college i’m hoping to get some hands on experience at National Parks.

oh perfect thanks for the suggestion!

That’s nice! I’m looking for something local and paid preferably as I do have a job and pets to attend to right now! Though In the future traveling to do some hands on work is the goal.

National and state parks always seem to have a need for forest rangers. People for rehabilitation of trails etc. Mt Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Mt St Helens National Monument. Also various forest service areas such as Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest. Dozens of state parks too.

Lots of lookouts, lava tube caves, the train tunnel at Hyak, the list is long.

Looks like Walla Walla today.

> 5 speed diesel

yup.

The abandoned military bunkers at Fort Worden state park in port Townsend are pretty cool to explore.

You'd want the Iron Goat Trail for this. I hiked it a few years ago. Since then, I heard the upper part of the loop trail had a mudslide and was closed off. I'm not sure if it has been cleaned up. The lower trail is an easy hike and features snow sheds.

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/iron-goat-trail

While you're in the area, stop at nearby Deception Falls. Especially in the spring when the water is fast.

Look at Washington State GET Plan (a guaranteed education tuition plan specific to the state).

My kids’ 529s are with American Funds.

Most cities with animal control officers can hire people who have no experience. An interest in biology would certainly help. And as a previous commenter said, state agencies are looking for people with those leanings as well (WSDOT as numerous positions statewide for people dedicated to protecting fish and wildlife habitat)

I’m not sure of their requirements, but Cougar Mountain Zoo always has several young people working.

Washington Conservation Corps is a good way to get experience.

Once the snow has cleared, there is the former town of Wellington near the top of Highway 2. There are huge abandoned railway structures and tunnels. Easy to get to and as far as I know not all the busy.

Fort Casey is also a great place to explore.