My Park Story: Christine Longenecker

Orchard pruning is an extreme sport

NPS

The month of March marks the start of the busy season here in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. As temperatures begin to warm and the Spring winds return, Christine Longenecker- Community Volunteer Ambassador intern, is prepped and ready to host several volunteer groups as they help restore and protect the landscape. Edmonia Martinez, District Interpreter, recently joined Christine as she led a group of 77 high school students and chaperones on an alternate spring break volunteer service project and asked her some questions about her experiences.  

 What interested you in this internship?   

After working in an office setting during and after my undergrad, I really wanted to explore other careers and find a way to be active during my work hours. I have been volunteering since I was in middle school and I have been curious about volunteer management for a few years now, so the CVA internship seemed like a good next step!

 What sort of projects are you working on currently?  

Glen Canyon is working on building up our volunteer program so that we can have more opportunities for groups and individuals who would like to be stewards at our recreation area. I have been working with local groups to organize service days and we have already held a few this season.

 What advice would you give someone looking for a career in the National Park Service?  

Explore your options! There are lots of ways to get into a park career and you don’t need to have a specific educational or work background for multitudes of jobs in the park service. If you are a student or recent graduate, I would highly recommend looking at internships. Otherwise, seasonal jobs, trail crew/conservation corps, and volunteering are a great way to get experience in parks.

 What is your favorite memory in the VIP program so far?

I have really enjoyed attending our community events here in Page, AZ. A huge part of my internship is tying the local community to Glen Canyon and vis versa. There are so many opportunities to make connections and collaborate for stewardship efforts.

What project/work are you most proud of? 

I have loved being able to volunteer some of my time at the local food bank. This community has been welcoming to me and it’s a privilege to be able to give back in some way.

Christine (far left, holding a bucket) stands with a group of volunteers after a beach cleanup in Wahweap, the spoils of their trash pickup lay in front of them. Remember to pack out your trash and keep the park clean!

NPS