Ecoventure 2009

The weather will eventually get colder, the leaves will change and fall. It's destined. We learned this in elementary school, it's called the four seasons, and in Virginia we experience all of them. But, what are you going to be doing this fall? Going to school on a regular basis, dragging yourself to get out of bed to go to work on time? Never fear! I can be your regular scheduled entertainment, so to speak. Well, in October, at least. I'll be experiencing the magnificent outdoors with extraordinary people, film makers, and discovering all that there is to discover in the wilderness we all call Shenandoah National Park.

I'll be camping out, backpacking, hiking, canoeing, and helping work on a documentary in the glorious valley. This documentary will education the public on how we are impacting the environment and our beautiful valley. I'm not going to try and muffle my emotions, I am ecstatic! I'm looking forward to learning and connecting with nature and my fellow peers. I camped out as a kid, loved every minute of it and I wished I could stay longer! Mind you, Girl Scouts never spent a month camping, but we learned the tools of the trade in those short weeks. It's going to be an experience and as cheesy as it sounds, I can not wait! I'm curious to find how much I will change after this Ecoventure, or if I do change. We are all working diligently to prepare for this adventure, but I'll be sure to keep you posted on our progress!

Below is a quote that our Leader of the SU side of the Ecoventure, John Copenhaver, sent to us. I feel that it provides a well in-sighted point of view and what we are about to enter through this great opportunity.

“Do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am—a reluctant enthusiast . . .

a part time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half

of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure.

It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it.”

-Edward Abbey

Here is a link to a The Downstream Project's blog which has some more information about what our prospective roles are in this project! Be advised when you click around you will find the main site which has previous documentaries that have been done on the Shenandoah Valley.

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