Mt. Hood Volunteer Interpretive Program

This year’s volunteer team includes 5 students and 4 returning community volunteers.

Leslie Ten Eyck, 19

A native Oregonian from Sandy, Leslie is a student at Portland State University studying Biology. Leslie most looks forward to guiding nature hikes at Salmon River and Mirror Lake and providing campfire programs at Timothy and Trillium Lakes.  Her love for and knowledge of the local area will make her a great resource for visitors, children and families, foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. Her biggest program goals are to educate the public about natural resources and help people connect with nature.

“Mount Hood National Forest is absolutely beautiful,” Leslie says. “I am glad I can call it home, and I want to help other people experience it too!”

 Kelly Marner, 23

 A University of Missouri-Columbia student studying parks, recreation and tourism, Kelly plans on making interpretation a career after graduating.  The 23-year old from St. Louis, Missouri most looks forward to developing nature hikes, as hiking is one of her favorite pastimes. Kelly believes that working as a volunteer Ranger will help her become more comfortable with leading programs for visitors.  

Jamie Horgan, 22 

Jamie spent last Spring in Acadia National Park as an intern with the recreation department. His experience there led him to pursue his next natural resources internship, here with the Mount Hood volunteer interpretive program.  Jamie is an environmental studies major at Colgate and is most looking forward to preparing and leading the Barlow Road History Hike at Mount Hood Skibowl. He is also planning on hiking as much as possible and learning the ins and outs of Mount Hood National Forest. The Charlotte, North Carolina native plans to graduate in 2010 and pursue interpretive positions with the Forest Service or Parks Service.

 “Interpretation requires a strong grasp of facts, but is flexible enough to allow me to choose how to present them. For me, it’s the perfect combination of objectivity and subjectivity. Plus, I get to work outdoors. I’d like to get people excited about being outside. “

Marissa Krawczak, 23

 A recent graduate of Northern Michigan University, Marissa received her BFA in photography, and the stunning landscapes of Mount Hood are definitely picture perfect. A resident of Cheboygan, Michigan, the 23-year-old was drawn to the interpretive program because of its focus on educating people and the amazing location.  Marissa’s program goals include creating informative, yet fun programming that will show visitors how valuable the forest environment is. She wants to apply her education to the program by developing a photography class for children and adults and creating a photo book or guide of Mount Hood National Forest. After the program, Marissa plans to pursue a career in the outdoors and photography and perhaps attend graduate school.

 “I would like to continue to work and play outdoors. Our forest environment is valuable in many ways, including making fun memories!”

Mitch Sawicki, 22

More info to come soon. 

Our volunteer team 2008: consists of 5 student interns and 6 community volunteers from around the country, state and Mt. Hood area.

Student Volunteers

Adrian Parris, 23, Arizona native, New Orleans, Louisiana resident

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Adrian joins us this year as a new intern with a background in forestry. A history major by day and an arborist by trade, Adrian works with the renowned Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he currently resides. Adrian enjoys working with the visitors at Timberline and likes to focus on the archaeological significance of Mount Hood National Forest, with hopes to join Forest Service historian Jeff Jaqua on several excavations this year. For the volunteer program, Adrian plans to increase fire prevention awareness by organizing Smokey’s Trail at the Ranger Station. Read more about this activity on the special events page.

Sean Medlock, 21, originally from Wisconsin, student at Purdue University in Indiana

Sean studies agricultural economics at Purdue University and has experience in environmental education and forestry. He studied in forest management in Sweden and helped organize educational projects as a volunteer and an Eagle Scout. As the president of the Purdue Ski and Snowboard Club, Sean’s volunteer program goals include founding a “Ski with a Ranger” program at Timberline and a weekly program for campers at Windell’s and High Cascade Snowbard Camp. 

Emily Roads, 21, originally from Arizona, student at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana

Emily has returned to ZigZag from Tulane University, where she is a senior majoring in communications. Originally from Tuscon, Arizona, Emily is recognized by her enthusiasm and passion for interpretation and is highly skilled in both historical and natural interp, making her an invaluable asset to our program. This year, she plans to focus her efforts on planning Junior Ranger Day at Mt Hood Skibowl and assisting to renovate the History House. Be sure to check out these developments on their respective pages.

Jeanna Romano, 18, originally from Pittsburgh, Penn.

A recent high school graduate, Jeanna is joining us for the first time for this year’s volunteer program. She plans to major in environmental studies and biology at Portland State University in 2009. Jeanna has spent the past 3 years volunteering her time with the Student Conservation Association and is certified to teach Leave No Trace ethics and Project Learning Tree activities. She hopes to coordinate the Wild Wednesdays program at Wildwood this summer and help to make Smokey’s Trail and Junior Ranger Day great conservation education activities for children. Her interests include traveling, volunteering and working with children, which will make her a great addition to our team.  

Grace Saad, 24, originally from Mississippi, graduate of Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss.

Grace is also a returning volunteer this summer. She graduated Mississippi State University with a magna cum laude degree in communication in May 2007 and joined the 2007 interpretive crew for a season of tours, hikes and campfire programs. She fell in love with Mount Hood and stayed in Oregon to work as a public relations executive for Lake Oswego-based MobilityPR. Recently, Saad has rejoined the volunteer program, acting as the public affairs coordinator and an assistant to Christy Covington in scheduling and program organization, and organizing programs with Mt Hood Kiwanis Camp. Grace enjoys backpacking, hiking, canoeing, painting, reading and singing. She plays piano and sings at several local bars throughout the Mt Hood area.

Community Volunteers

Suzie Blair from Arizona

Suzie has also volunteered for the Interpretive Program in the past, serving the community in 2002. Originally from Maplewood, New Jersey and currently living in Arizona, Suzie has returned to spread her love of the Lodge and the mountain to visitors worldwide. She is a biker, swimmter, tennis player, hiker and traveler that hopes to one day summit Mount Hood, skydive and travel to Machu Picchu, Peru. Suzie hopes to implement more great activities for outdoor athletes throughout the summer.

Diane Crane, Dover, Oregon

Diane is a retired teacher and has been an Interpretive Program volunteer for years. Her family history is deep-rooted in the Mount Hood and Sandy areas, giving Diane much personal knowledge of the forest to share with visitors. She is an avid hiker and naturalist, and like her colleagues has a deep passion for Timberline Lodge. Diane can be found at the Lodge on Fridays this summer. 

Lenore Martin, Welches, Oregon and Sausalito, California

Lenore is a retired corporate executive and an 18-year member of Friends of Timberline. she also currently serves as a memember of the Board of Directors for FOT and is our liaison to one of our most important resources at Timberline Lodge. Lenore has volunteered in the interpretive program since 2007 and plans to work with her husband Dexter on Thursdays at the Lodge and at special events this summer.

Dexter Martin, Welches, Oregon

Dexter, Lenore’s husband, is retired, following a 35-year career as an attorney specializing in corporate law. He also is an 18-year member of Friends of timberline and enjoys sharing his knowledge of Timberline Lodge with the public. He has volunteered with the interpretive program since 2007. 

Steve Silcox, area resident

Steve taught U.S. history for the Tigard School District for 30 years before joining the volunteer program this year. His passion for education has led him to concentrate on Timberline Lodge, one of the many historical landmarks in Mount Hood National Forest. When Steve isn’t captivated by living history, he likes a good read, jogging and baseball. One of his goals for the summer is to begin a guided tour of the cherished cabin that shares his name, Silcox Hut, a traditional warming hut built in 1939, located at 7,000 feet on Hood’s southern flank. He will also be working at the Lodge on Tuesdays this summer. 

Dale Rush, area resident

Dale Rush has worked at Timberline for over two decades and has climbed and skied much of the mountain, worked on a mountain rescue, led climbs and co-led wilderness adventure groups in the Mount Hood area. Though Dale’s passion originated with the botany, geology and history of the mountain, he is anxious to meet visitors and further the stewardship of the Lodge and Mount Hood National Forest.

Chuck Carson, 78, Portland and Mt. Hood resident

A retiree, Chuck is a long-term Interpretive Program volunteer. He has life-long experience on Mount Hood including numerous summit trips and a special gift for interpretation, along with a vast knowledge of geology. Chuck will be volunteering here and there on busy weekends at the Lodge.