Eagle River Nature Center (ERNC) is located 28 miles northeast of Anchorage in Chugach State Park. ERNC is run by The Friends of ERNC, a nonprofit organization that runs the center, provides opportunities for natural history education, builds new trails and public use facilities and maintains existing trails and public use facilities.
BB and I decided to visit the community of Eagle River and the ERNC a few weeks ago (specifically Friday 09-30). We left Anchorage late morning so we would arrive at the Matanuska Brewing Company in time for lunch. Matanuska Brewing has a great Tomato Soup and Caprese Gilled Cheese Special (fresh mozzarella, crispy bacon, tomato, fresh basil, provolone on sourdough bread grilled crispy with garlic butter and parmesan) that we discovered when we come to Anchorage in June.
We were almost disappointed, but our server saved the day! The special we wanted was not on the menu. We told our server that we were looking forward to the tomato and grilled cheese special; however, didn't see it on the menu. She said, "No problem, we can do that for you!" The Tomato Soup and Caprese Grilled Cheese was as good as we remembered.
After lunch we made our way to ERNC. The Center is a scenic 13-mile drive from the brewery.
When we entered the door we were greeted with "Let me know if you have any questions." I had visited ERNC's webpage and seen the page listing volunteer opportunities. It was the perfect opening for me to inquire about volunteering. Tim was working the desk. He had been a volunteer and now worked at ERNC. He asked what type of work I was interested in doing. I said trail maintenance and began to tell him about the work I had done on the AT at Loft MT. Oh, was he excited! He said I was exactly what they were looking for. Needless to say that made me feel good! Tim then told BB and I about different projects the volunteers were working on and showed us a garden, a set of steps and some railing that were the result of volunteer work. I completed an application, returned it to Tim and was told to wait to hear from Gus, the Volunteer Coordinator. We didn't meet Gus but we did meet Fjord, his handsome, well-behaved Husky.
It was a nice afternoon for a walk, so BB and I walked the Rodak Nature Trail. This trail is a 3/4-mile loop with interpretive signage and two viewing areas, the Salmon Viewing Deck and the Beaver Viewing Deck. To my dismay, we did not view any salmon or beaver. We did see majestic, snowcapped mountains and a swift flowing stream. And an interesting hollow tree.
Fast forward 21 days and I am driving to ERNC for my first work trip! Gus had told me what to bring (work gloves, eye protection, ear protection) when and how long the group typically works (every Thursday, 9:30 to Noon) and the day's task (split wood, deliver wood). BB made sure I had everything, (I almost forgot the thermos of hot chocolate!) and sent me on my way with encouraging words.
I was one of about 15 volunteers that showed up to work yesterday. Gus introduced me to everyone and gave me some paperwork to complete and return. Then he assigned chores.
One group was to use 2 ATVs with attached trailers to deliver firewood to the cabins and yurts. Another group was to split logs using two log splitters.
Gus:"You know how to drive an ATV?"
Me: "No."
Gus: "Ever used a log splitter?"
Me: "No."
Gus: "You willing to learn?"
Me: "YES!"
I really wanted the ATV lesson yesterday. Instead I learned how to split logs. Paul was put in charge of training me. He showed me how to start the splitter, line up the logs and all the safety things needed to keep from chopping a finger off. With 2 splitters going we made a good dent in the pile of logs.
Gus had told me that the group usually stayed and ate lunch together. Not so much yesterday. Yesterday only Paul and I stayed to eat lunch at a picnic table with a beautiful view of the snowcapped mountains.
As I expected, I enjoyed the morning outside working with others that enjoy the outdoors.
Sal
Views from the Rodak Nature Trail:
Splitting Logs
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