Amanda's Updates

I Am A State Park Ambassador Because: After traveling to the Chesapeake Bay through leadership programs, I developed an interest in biology as well as conservation. Recently, I served as an intern at an Eco-Scholars program that took a trip to Lake Anna State Park. It was here that I introduced myself to the wonderful staff and told them of my interest in park naturalism. I was invited to volunteer again at a Junior Ranger program, where I was asked to become a Youth Ambassador. I accepted enthusiastically.

Schools Attended: Orange Public Schools, SummerQuest! Enrichment Governor's School, Blue Ridge Virtual Governor's Sch.

First State Park: Smith Mountain Lake

Favorite State Park: Lake Anna State Park

Park I Am Dying To Visit: Fairy Stone State Park

I've Visited State Parks In: North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

Coolest Thing I've Seen In Parks: I paid a visit to Lake Anna State Park and noticed that aerators had been installed, yet there was still algae on the surface. A week later, I came back to the park and observed that all of the algae appeared to have vanished. Witnessing the difference was the coolest thing that I have ever seen in a state park.

Interests: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Hiking, Marine Biology, Playing Guitar, Theatre, Fishing

Music Played At My Campfire: The Kooks, Black Keys, Broken Bells, Vampire Weekend, Franz Ferdinand, Frankie Lymon, Dion

What Not To Miss In My State's Parks: Sunset Canoeing, Campfire Cooking, HIking Trails, Fitness Trails

Who I Would Go On A Hike With If I Could: My little brother, Shane

This Sums It All Up For Me: Man's heart away from nature becomes hard.