Cassie Schaeffer
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State: South Dakota
Age: 27
Bio: Growing up in southwestern Minnesota I became a lover of nature by exploring outside with every opportunity given by fishing, camping and peeking under mysterious rocks! As an enthusiast of the outdoors I chose to follow a career as an Outdoor Educator. For the past few years I have been an Interpretive Naturalist at South Dakota's, Custer State Park. Surrounding myself with its nature trails, 1,500 herd of free-roaming bison, 200 miles of creek sides and streams and over 3.3 million visitors each year - I've been enjoying the entirety of it! As 2009 alum of Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD, I have been able to learn many outdoor skills, meet numerous nature lovers such as myself ; most importantly I've been able to connect people of all ages with our areas recreational opportunities, cultural and historical heritage as well as the natural beauty of our SD State Parks.
Cassie's Updates
I Am A State Park Ambassador Because: Others need to become aware of the access at their backdoor. America's State Parks are ours to enjoy. Similar to the Domino Effect, with one story shared five others find interest within it. It's amazing what happens when you go outside!
Schools Attended: Southwest Minnesota State University & Black Hills State University
First State Park: Lake Shetek State Park, South Dakota
Favorite State Park: Custer State Park, South Dakota
Park I Am Dying To Visit: Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
I've Visited State Parks In: Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Coolest Thing I've Seen In Parks: Besides a herd of 300 + bison grazing past my bedroom window at 6 a.m.? I would have to say: I lead a hike of 50 8th-12th grade Conservation Corp students to the top of the Little Devil's Tower hike, elev. 6,240 feet. After hiking 1.5 miles and bouldering for 150 yards...the prize was visible, the panoramic view of 4 states; Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and North Dakota, on a clear day. When arriving to the top - the group of 50 students were silent. Some stated it was the most amazing view they'd ever seen. It seemed the experience was that they just got it. Being up there to see the sights was all in itself worth the 1000 foot climb.
Interests: Camping, Hiking, Teaching, Biking, Reading, Dutch oven cooking, Fishing and Campfires!
Music Played At My Campfire: A ditty hear and there - folk, country, home-made!
What Not To Miss In My State's Parks: The view from Harney Peak - highest peak East of the Rockies 7,242. & Annual Buffalo RoundUp
Who I Would Go On A Hike With If I Could: My entire extended/immediate family!
This Sums It All Up For Me: The Earth laughs in flowers - Ralph Waldo Emerson