Name: Allie Scott
    Title: Senior Sales Specialist
    Location: Broomfield

 

 

What did you do during your time as an EpicVolunteer?
I volunteered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to monitor and study various animals in the Durango, Colorado area. On day one, we checked four bear traps twice during the day and searched for a new spot for a bear trap based on patterns of bear travel from the previous few days. We reviewed images from the motion cameras at each site to see that bears had been near the traps but had not been fooled to go in. We hauled stink bait (fish) and sweet bait (donuts and berries) to many sites to replenish the bait. Some of the traps were in town and others were at the top of mountain sites. The next day we trapped and banded mourning doves and participated in bird watching; I was able to see eagles, hawks, ravens and doves and learned about various CPW projects regarding bird and other animal migration and breeding patterns. The third day included more bear trap checking—this time by way of ATV—while we also surveyed the area’s motorized trails. The following day was spent surveying the river and fishing in the waterfalls and streams. We caught 28 Cutthroat Trout, taking measurements and fin samples to analyze their genes. The remaining day was spent checking the area’s bear resistant trash cans, looking for signs of bear activity. While we saw that a bear was in town the previous night, no bears were found in our traps.　

What did you learn from your experience?
I grew so much on this solo adventure. I opened my mind up to new experiences and allowed myself to get lost in what I was learning. I watched an organization from the outside and the inside. I had to go with the flow – my schedule was different and I had to work with different people each day. We switched gears from trucks and ATVs to hiking and carrying equipment to talking to people in the field. You could say I was on overdrive, both mentally and physically. Part of me was sad to leave the trip without seeing any bears, but I did experience a lot of other special things during the week. I held a bird in my hand – the animal I am most afraid of. Through this, I realized birds are not so scary. In fact, one little dove liked me so much he didn’t want to fly away after I let go. That was a big moment for me – realizing how much bigger I am than my fears. Realizing that as scared as I am of something, as nervous as it makes me feel, I can dive right in and accomplish the task at hand. This was a huge, small accomplishment.　

Thank you to Vail Resorts and EpicPromise for this Experience of a Lifetime! I was able to conquer my fears, learn about the special animals that inhabit one of the state’s most beautiful areas and gain a special respect for the work of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.　

Epic Volunteers provides Vail Resorts employees with the opportunity for enriching Experiences of a Lifetime through 40 hours of paid time off to volunteer. Participants can select nonprofits in their own backyard, across the country or even abroad, lending talent and energy to worthy causes while learning of important social and environmental issues. New in 2015, employees are encouraged to apply for Epic Volunteers at any time during the year. Applications will be accepted on the 15th of every month, as long as the application is submitted at least three months prior to the project. If accepted, volunteers will hear by the 15th of the following month and attend an Epic Volunteers training the month before their project. Click here to apply.