Another year at The Crane’s Nest has come and gone.  This year came with new growth and learning opportunities as well as a new set of challenges. I continue to be blown away by the absolute beauty and serenity of the Refuge throughout the seasons.  I still think I work in the most beautiful place in the world.  I get so much joy from looking up while working at my computer and seeing a warbler on the tree just outside of my window.  And one of these days, I’m just certain a little cottontail will let me pick it up and put it in my pocket. (A girl can dream!) I still surprise myself when I can identify a bird for a visitor based on a description or a photo.  I will have to say, my favorite critter of the year was definitely our resident badger who was often seen coming and going to and from its many holes.  “He” was very curious and loved showing off his handiwork.  

My favorite part of the refuge is not what I see here, but who!  I am convinced that we have the best volunteers.  They continually teach me what it is like to selflessly pour yourself into something that you love with all of your heart.  They are always happy to help with whatever task is given to them, big or small.  I love meeting and getting to know each and every one of them.  

We also have some of the happiest visitors. I was told that there are three types of visitors here. 1. The ones who have been coming here every year for the past 20+ years, 2. The ones who have been planning a trip here for the past 20+ years, and 3. The ones who just happen upon the refuge. I absolutely love meeting all three types (and everyone in between)! I love seeing the awe in the first timers’ eyes and seeing the look of familiarity in the repeat visitors’. I love making sure that every visit to Malheur is magical. I was so excited to get our youngest member ever, when we had a 9-year-old sign up for his very first membership.   

I will forever be grateful for the time I GET to spend here.  Not had many jobs in my life have I actually looked forward to being there every day.  I have yet to have a day that I dread coming to work.  I mean, how can you when you work in the most beautiful place in the world?!