15 Dec An Unexpected Adventure

USFS Photo taken by Marissa Hurst

While being at the Wayne National Forest – Ironton Ranger District, I have had many unexpected adventures. But the most interesting adventures are the least expected. Although I am the Trails System Resource Assistant, I have had an opportunity to help out as a photographer with the Public Affairs Office, jump into a role as a Content Creator for the Ironton Ranger District, as well as travel to another station to learn more about Visual Information.

Something big that I was told in the beginning was to take this opportunity and network. I offered my photography experience for an event that the Wayne was going to put on. After networking and allowing the others to know my background and history, I was able to assist Public Affairs as a second photographer for the 2022 Wayne National Forest Forestry Fair! I learned a lot about Public Affairs, as well as opportunities in PAO. Little did I know, but my photos were posted on the social media pages for the Wayne National Forest!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=417036213869325&set=a.184839440422338&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=417036210535992&set=pb.100066888506406.-2207520000.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=417036207202659&set=pb.100066888506406.-2207520000.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=415287554044191&set=pb.100066888506406.-2207520000.

After assisting the Public Affairs Team, I was asked to assist the Wayne National Forest – Ironton Ranger District as a Content Creator! With this, I was able to being my photographic ability and environmental awareness and capture unique photos that nature had to offer! My main focus was on macrophotography. For those who may not know what macrophotography is, it is a close-up photo of a subject to help identify finer details. I really focused on capturing the beauty in native species that the Wayne offered. My photos were sent to the Regional Offices to shre on more media pages!

Once I realized I started liking the aspect of going down a more artistic route, I decided to learn more about what it was like to be a Visual Information Specialist. I ended up shadowing the Visual Information Specialist from the Northen Research Station in Delaware, Ohio. This is where I learned a lot about the process of creating brochures, booklets, and research information. I ended up learning how to create a 40-page report! It was a very unique experience. Many people only view the Forest Service as individuals being outside but the individuals who are doing the “behind-the-scenes” work deserve so much credit.

Because of these experiences, I have been able to learn a lot about all of the jobs that the USFS Forest Service has to offer! Because of these “unexpected adventures,” I have been able to learn that I would like to follow my career into a Public Affairs Position!