Besides being impressed that they actually found me on Instagram, it was also incredibly affirming and reminded me of why I do what I do. It is extremely rare in this job to know the full impact of what you do on a daily basis, but you do your best and hope that you can inspire at least someone along the way. It reminded me that even when you’re leading a huge hike of 23 people for 2 1/2 hours on a steep, narrow trail, and feel like you can’t possibly connect with everyone, you can still make a difference. At least I know I had an impact on one person, enough for them to track me down and tell me!  I am so touched and honored!

(And in typical fashion, they caught me with the Italian hands going during my plant succession activity!)