Fireweed: Marking a Change In Time, Seasons and...this year, Staff Members
Another year, another beautiful summer throughout Alaska; and the fireweed is in full bloom...hard to ignore with its vibrant colors and impressive height. And the thought that surfaces with it is almost unstoppable: "Is the summer really almost over?"For the GTC Environmental Department, it marks not only a change in time but also a change in staff. Jonathan Samuelson, Georgetown Tribal Member, leaves his position as the Environmental Coordinator - out to experience the next great adventure in life! He has been a very important part of this department, and we are very glad that he will maintain his role working as the Georgetown delegate for the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission. We wish him much luck and are certain he will continue to bring great influences to not only the Environmental department, but the Tribe as a whole.Filling his role as the Environmental Coordinator - well that's me...My name is Kate Schaberg. I worked previously in this role from 2012-2014 and it seems I can't stay away. I have a sincere interest in helping protect the environmental resources surrounding Georgetown, important to so many - whether you currently reside in Georgetown or nearby, visit frequently or just think back on your time there with fond memories, as I do.A little bit about me: My husband and I have got two little munchkins running around with a 7 month old puppy to keep things exciting. We enjoy camping, fishing, berry picking, and doing lots of house projects. I'm also a very amateur photographer (which I love!) and I like to make jellies and jams, quilts, and other various crafty stuff. I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and have been doing a mixture of environmental jobs and customer service / management related positions ever since.
I am really looking forward to the work we have coming up - topics covering Environmental Education, Tribal Ecological Knowledge, and Water Quality to name a few - ones we will most certainly keep you informed about and hope to involve you in... For now, if you'd like to learn more about our program, please visit our website. If you have questions you can contact me at kate.schaberg@georgetowntc.com.And as for that fireweed? Well, I guess my best advice is to ignore it, embrace it or just pick it to use in some yummy jams! No matter your choice - enjoy the rest of the summer. Til next time...