Author: Anna Medlin
Our lab wrapped up the spring semester by attending the 2024 National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, from May 5th to May 10th. I had the privilege of joining my lab mates—Maddie Cottrell, Jacqueline Snow, Shahriar Rahman—and our academic advisor, Chris Zajchowski. Not only did we participate in the conference, but each of us also presented our research, and I was honored to be selected as one of the conference’s student scholarship recipients.
On the first day, I presented twice. In the morning, Maddie and I delivered an oral presentation showcasing findings from a visitor use survey conducted along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in the D.C. metropolitan area. Later that evening, I participated in a poster session, highlighting our lab's work on prairie stewardship and recreation access at McCroskey State Park in Idaho. Presenting at such a large event, with around 600 attendees from across the outdoor recreation field, was nerve-wracking. However, it was incredibly rewarding to share our work and learn from others, including professionals from the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As someone aspiring to work in a federal land agency, I appreciated how the conference balanced research with insights into current projects and their practical applications.
As a scholarship recipient, I had the opportunity to host one of the research rooms, where I heard fascinating presentations on topics such as visitor use management on national scenic rivers, sustainable recreation design within Forest Service lands, and career pathways for BIPOC early professionals in Washington State Parks. Additionally, the conference paired me with a mentor, Anne Marshall, with whom I had a valuable lunch discussion about her career with Tennessee State Parks and my own aspirations post-graduate school.
One unique aspect of this conference was the Field Workshops on Wednesday, May 8th. I participated in the National Scenic and Historic Trail workshop, where we visited the California National Historic Trail and Pony Express National Historic Trail near Carson City, Nevada. As the only academic and student on the trip, I gained firsthand insight into how the Bureau of Land Management contracts professionals to assess and monitor the scenic, cultural, recreational, and natural inventories of landscapes.
The conference wasn't all about presentations and workshops. The networking and social events were exceptional. Jacqueline and I quickly made friends, sharing conversations about their work and even favorite TV shows references during the dinner boat cruise. This optional cruise was a highlight, allowing us to enjoy stunning lake views while bonding with fellow attendees. Our lab also made the most of the evenings, frequently joining others for dinner or drinks. The conference concluded with a brewery takeover, where we spent time together, danced, learned how to yo-yo, and shared plenty of laughs.
Overall, this conference was an incredible experience that I’ll be talking about for a long time. It perfectly balanced professional development and recreation, embodying the conference's mission. The Lake Tahoe setting was idyllic—I enjoyed running along the lake, visiting Sand Harbor with its crystal-clear water, taking pictures on my film camera, and simply taking in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains, which have inspired conservationists like John Muir. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals in the outdoor industry who share a commitment to preserving our green spaces and promoting sustainable, responsible recreation was truly affirming.
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