Our first round project at the Oregon Garden is quite literally the reason I wanted to do NCCC.
I wanted to see a different part of the country, have the chance to do environmental work, and meet inspiring new people. I accomplished all of that and more throughout our time at the Garden. Our team leader, Nelson, told us that other team leaders who were corps members previously thought the Garden was a great first round project. Now that it's coming to a close, I could not agree more.
Perhaps the most important thing I will take away from the Garden is the wealth of environmental knowledge gained form conversations with the horticulture staff. I came to the garden barely knowing the distinction between fruits and vegetables, and I'm leaving spouting words like monocotyledon and dicotyledon, naming wild birds and plants, and constantly thinking about how things affect the earth. After two months working at the Garden, I feel confident that I could carry out my long time desire to grow my own vegetables and maintain an exquisite garden (or at the very least remove the non-native invasive species that find their way into my backyard).
I've also developed an incredibly admiration for the beauty of nature. Working outside during the rainy season that is Oregonian winter, you really learn to value clear, warm sunny days. Additionally, the rare sunny winter days that showcase the lush forest and striking colors of green allow you to appreciate the rain.
The one thing I was unclear about coming into the project was just how much our team was going to bond over the two months. When we got to the Garden in November we were still just getting to know each other. After two months of living, working and playing with the same 9 people, we're closer than I ever thought 10 strangers could get.
Over all, I think the Garden was the perfect match for our team. It gave us the opportunity to learn something new, grow together as a team, and as cheesy as it might sound, this project also allowed us to get things done for America.
