A Deeper Appreciation for Nature
Kate Rains at Glacier National Park
Kate Rains, University of South Alabama
My experience at Glacier National Park was the best seven days I've ever spent, even with just one shower! Having only experienced snow twice in my life, I had no concept of how beautifully cold and pristine the natural, protected landscapes of Glacier could be. The snow in my Alabama hometown paled in comparison to the breathtaking lake and forest views on our seven-mile hike to Iceberg Lake where the tall trees reflected in the icy blue water. The random rain and hail storms we encountered throughout the week added an element of surprise to each day.
As honors students, we all gracefully excel in academic capacities, but I was anxious about spending so much time in close quarters with everyone, from morning until night. However, as I gazed out the airplane window at the night sky on the way home, tears in my eyes, I thought to myself, “What a small-minded worry that was.” The students, faculty, and everyone else were warm, generous, patient, and genuinely kind-hearted. The connections I made during that week became unbelievably and overwhelmingly close to my heart. I never imagined I could bond so deeply with people from different parts of the country in such a short time.
I had never camped in the backwoods before, so I leaned heavily on Brian, Karen, and my fellow campers for support. I had to borrow many things, and if I were to give advice to someone going on this trip next, it would be to bring extra gear and a good insulated rain jacket to keep you warm. Growing up in the South, I was used to summers that were always sunny and 90 degrees, so the 45-degree temperatures and low humidity at the beginning of August in Glacier took me by surprise. This trip left a lasting impression on me, from the glacier lake that was too cold to swim in to the realization that I am stronger and more resilient than I ever thought. It tested my limits and showed me that I could adapt to new environments, push through discomfort, and find joy in the unexpected.
Every moment, from visiting the native plant garden to the training sessions led by rangers, was an enriching learning experience. Volunteering alongside a fantastic group of people—who began as strangers but quickly became a team—was truly rewarding. We pulled invasive weeds and logged huckleberry phenology, applying everything we learned on the trails each day. Being part of that citizen science effort was inspiring, and it’s motivated me to seek out opportunities in Alabama. I wholeheartedly recommend this trip to anyone who asks, and I'll carry the knowledge and experiences from Glacier with me, using them to help observe and combat climate change wherever I am. I will always cherish the memories and friendships I made, reminding me of the strength, resilience, and connection we can find in nature and each other if we just get off our phones and look around. I left Glacier not just with new skills and knowledge, but with new friends and a deeper appreciation for the power of nature and the importance of preserving it.
