Hello Friends! Welcome to another story from Annette’s Adventures. Today we are going back to northern New Mexico and the Picuris Mining District... 

​We arrived just before sunset and searched for a place to set up camp. After some deliberation and muddy road driving, we settled on a campsite and made our temporary home. The next day, as is customary, we took the ranger out for some dirt road reconnaissance. We drove around the roads for most of the day, looking for connecting routes and mine features. With the dirt roads behind us and general knowledge of the terrain, we stopped for lunch. Our lunch location was, of course, set amongst mine features.  After scampering around the hillside, we returned to camp and started planning the next few days of work.
 
The goal for the following two days was to focus on monitoring the Harding Mine. You may remember from my last adventure that, try as I might, equipment failure was inevitable. I had to return home with only one piece of data.  This trip, I was determined to rectify that. I also wanted to find the elusive “Iceberg”! Iceberg, what is Iceberg? Why is it marked on the map? Why does it say “Icelandic Spar”? Is there Icelandic Spar here in northern New Mexico? Why did they put it on the map but not talk about it? I had so many questions. The only way to answer my questions was to hike hills and see what I could find.
 
We arrived at Harding and went straight to the top of North Knob. I like to start at North Knob because it gives you a sense of the whole operation. But it is not until you are down on the ground that you get a sense of the beauty. I quickly separated from the group and started making my way around the mine features. I hiked down North Knob towards the west and found a couple of trenches on the side of the hill, marked them, and moved on. I chased down a couple of prospect pits out in the flats and decided to turn my focus back to the mine complex. I circled my way back to the mine through the large “waste rock” piles and climbed up the hill to a shiny new-looking fence.  A collapse, good thing the undercuttings below were closed. I made my way back around the face of the underground workings, where all the closures are, and slowly worked my way back to the group.

​When we went back to Harding the following day, I had an ominous feeling that I couldn’t shake. My job is to ensure the safety of mine closures. If there is one collapse, then there could be a second. How would I know? I had to walk to the hill. I had to put boots on the ground and hike every inch of that hill.  I again left the group and started hiking. I traversed the hill multiple times, keeping my head moving. I looked for any sign that I could see that would suggest giant gaping holes. After a thorough inspection and no sign of impending collapse, I decided to move on. I found a well-worn trail on the southwestern slope of the hill. It was an odd trail that went around the backside and away from the mine workings.  I followed the path to see where it would go. While rounding a corner, that’s when I saw it; little ice cubes all over the ground. It must have been close to 90 degrees that day, I knew it couldn’t be ice! I found Iceberg!  My mind was so focused on the safety of the complex that Iceberg had slipped my mind. I kept walking, with my eyes on the ground, and the pieces grew in size. I eventually called it in on my radio, “I FOUND ICEBERG!” and then promptly sat down to play with the pebbles.
 
The pit was nothing special. It was a hole in the side of the hill, about the size of a minivan. I hung out at the pit for a few minutes and enjoyed the pretty pebbles while eating my sandwich. Eventually I pried myself from the rocks, but only so long as it took to find the rest of my group and bring them back. Finding Iceberg and solving my fun little mystery was the perfect way to end our day and make our way back to camp…

GEM Environmental is excited to welcome one of our new members to the team. Elliot Hoy is our new GEM CORPS AML Geographer’s Assistant. Elliot has spent several years working in IT and traveling before deciding to go back to school. He is now a senior at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He enjoys spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors. During a long back packing trip, Elliot met fellow travelers who were geologists and learned about the exciting lifestyle they led. This encouraged him to take geology courses at Yavapai College and pursue this field of study. This is Elliot’s second term with GEM Environmental. He served as a Field Intern with us in 2019. Welcome back Elliot!

How did you hear about this service opportunity?
From a talk at Yavapai College given by Eric Welsh.

Please provide a brief description highlighting your work/area of focus.
Recently I have been focusing in Petrology and trying to better understand the heating and cooling processes of the earth.
 
What do you plan to accomplish during your service term with GEM?
I'll be happy if I am able to continue to learn and meet more people interested in Geology. It has been really great being able to learn about the practical side of Geology.
 
What are your career goals?
I just want to be able to live an exciting life. So far all is going great.
 
Do you plan to continue your education? If so, what programs or school are you looking into and what is the highest degree you plan to earn?
Yes, I am planning on completing through a Masters program. I have been looking into a few schools both in the US and in Europe.

Have you had any other internship or service opportunities before this? If so, how do you believe internships have benefited you so far?
Yes, I've volunteered in a few aspects before GEM. However, GEM has been the most impactful as far as a geology aid. I've learned more about how the geology world works and the types of people.
The internship has helped me better understand my place in geology and how I can move forward in my career.

Robert Briggs, a 20-year resident of the Prescott area, moved to Yavapai County from Sacramento when he was 25 years old. After working as a reputable auto mechanic, he elected to change his career path and made the decision to return to college life as an older student at the age of 34. With persistence and dedication, he graduated in the spring of 2015 from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. During his work in the auto industry, he attained ASE Master Tech certifications and developed the ability to fix just about anything. This has led to a unique opportunity for Robert to join GEM as our fleet supervisor and as a contract geologist working with our Abandoned Mine Lands Inventory team. He thoroughly enjoys being outside with his eyes constantly on the terrain. His experiences working in the automotive field and his renewed zest for geology offers GEM a unique ability to visit remote field locations without fear of being stranded. 
 
 “What do you enjoy most about being involved in GEM?”   
The prospects of working with GEM offers unique ability to partner with people of many different backgrounds. One of GEM’s primary focus is to serve the persons within the underrepresented genres. As such, I am included in that statement being an older individual that retired from one trade to move into another presented many difficulties. To be able work in an environment with folks of many great and wonderful talents gives me great joy.
 
What were your feelings when GEM first started and being part of the organization? 
At the beginning, I much like Eric Welsh, our CEO did not know if we were going to sink or swim. We sure did not want to sink, so we spent our time ensuring that every aspect of GEM is exactly as it should be constantly learning, growing, and expanding into new and specialized niches that have never been attempted or given the appropriate attention. My feelings were one of excitement, trepidation, and passion for the love of the science we take great joy in. 
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What kind of progress has GEM made and what kind of progress do you see GEM making in the future? 
I am never ceased to be amazed by the growth and potential that GEM has seen and been blessed with. It takes a lot of steadfast and hard work accomplished by the many fine folks within GEM to achieve such a growth. I fully expect to observe GEM to continue growth offering more services to the community and its partners in the many years to come. 
 
In what ways does GEM feel like a family and what do you like most about GEM? 
Being a part of the team much like being part of a family is the best part. Our interactions with each other brings community together, serves to help brighten our days, and even will bring a smile to each other’s faces. The laughs, science, community work, and programs offered via GEM all are aspects that help make it to feel, function, and appear to be a family. All of which are highlights that I would not trade for anything in the world. ​

Marlena Willoughby is the longtime girlfriend of GEM’S founder Eric Welsh.  They live together in their home in Prescott, along with their three sons Dallas, Patrick, and Joseph.  Marlena has worked with GEM in many different aspects since 2018. She has volunteered on different service projects and educational programs, updated and managed the social media platforms and website, worked as camp cook in the field on AML projects, organized and assisted with multiple fundraising events, and is currently working with Eric on the remodel and maintenance of the GEM Environmental office suites. Over the years she has helped in finding donors for GEM and making new connections throughout the community.   
 
Marlena loves her work with GEM and is always willing to volunteer her time for anything that needs to be done. Her favorite activity with GEM is the yearly Christmas Gift Toy drive. For the past 3 years, she has partnered GEM with The Windsock Lounge, and CASA for Kids, to bring in as many donations as possible for the foster children in Yavapai County.   

What do you enjoy most about being involved in GEM? 
What I enjoy most about being involved in GEM is the opportunity for my family to work together while helping our community. The growth I see in each one of us, comes largely from our work with GEM. Our sons have learned the importance of working hard through volunteering and internships.  
 
What were your feelings when GEM first started and being part of the organization? 
 When Eric first invited me to start working with GEM, I was very excited! Everything about the mission was dear to my heart. Even though we were a very small organization, each one of us had so many ideas and worked together to grow and make a name for GEM in the community. 
 
What kind of progress has GEM made and what kind of progress do you see GEM making in the future? 
GEM started out as a small non-profit that had two employees and a group of volunteers. Board meetings were held at a kitchen table, and the field crew were camping in tents. The past three years, GEM has grown into a successful non-profit with a multi-suite office, many employees and service members, multiple field crews with vehicles and mobile offices equipped with living quarters. The educational programs and scholarships have helped many throughout our community and the name GEM Environmental has become a valued resource for STEM. I know that we will continue to thrive and help many more in our future. 
 
In what ways does GEM feel like a family and what do you like most about GEM? 
GEM Environmental doesn't just feel like a family, it is a family. Working alongside Eric and the wonderful team, has become an essential part of who I am. Building GEM from the ground up took a village, a FAMILY. The office staff, board members, AmeriCorps members, interns, and so many volunteers all make GEM Environmental a success. This type of working environment is what I love most about GEM. Many different voices, opinions, ideas, and dreams all combined with one goal: helping others.  
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Jessica Cook has been working with GEM Environmental since the organization's inception as a volunteer board member and as the Chairman of the Board since 2018. Jessica takes pride in building partnerships between our organization and local businesses who share GEM’s passion and drive in creating new opportunities for STEM students. As the organization's Business Manager, she brings great benefit to GEM with her experience in bookkeeping, accounts receivable, accounts payable, contract writing, policy enforcement, and her knowledge of current state and federal policy changes. 
 
She was born and raised in Arizona and currently resides in Prescott with her husband Brandon, her two dogs Winslow and Denver, and two cats Damien and Pablo. As an outdoor enthusiast, it is her dream to help build our GEM Corps programs to ensure our community continues to have safe access to our parks, trails, and lakes through the conservation work of our GEM Corps crew. 
 
What do you enjoy most about being involved in GEM?   
What I enjoy most about being involved with GEM is being able to give back. Developing programs to help our community and fundraising to fund scholarships and internships for the underrepresented students.  
 
What were your feelings when GEM first started and being part of the organization?  
The feeling amongst all of us I think was just excitement. Eric had a vision for GEM Environmental, I was interested and eager to see how GEM was going to evolve from an idea into real life. Eric took a huge risk in the beginning trying to launch GEM but we all believed in his idea, his dream. Here it is! Bigger and better than I could have ever imagined.   
 
What kind of progress has GEM made and what kind of progress do you see GEM making in the future?  
GEM has grown leaps and bounds. Just 4 years ago our entire operation was managed at Eric's dining room table. We would spend hours there creating bylaws, figuring out where GEM was going next. Fast forward to today where GEM has a beautiful office building, a great staff and many amazing interns. I see GEM expanding it's internship, scholarship, and field experience in order to help reach even more underrepresented students.  
 
In what ways does GEM feel like a family and what do you like most about GEM?  
GEM feels like family because GEM is family. Eric has been a dear friend for a long time and he has brought together a real special group of people in order to make his dream a reality. Friends and family have come together through the years to support GEM and Eric which makes me proud to be a part of such an amazing organization that not only prioritizes community but family.     ​

Born and raised in Northern Arizona, Eric has always been fascinated with the beauty and intrigue offered through National Forests and Public Lands. His interest in Geology grew after taking an introductory class at Yavapai College while working on AA in Business Administration; this inspired him to continue his education and enroll in the Geology Program at Northern Arizona University where he earned a BS in Geology. Upon graduating from NAU, he formed a consulting agency and began working as a geologic consultant with individuals and small companies looking to claim mineral rights or expand operations on existing claims by completing basic survey, mapping, and safety assessments on a contractual basis. After working with small miners in the Nevada desert, he was awarded a GeoCorps Internship with the BLM which led to his being contracted as a liaison with the Bureau of Land Management in the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program in New Mexico, assisting in their inventory and remediation project work as a geologic consultant. It is through this experience that Eric decided to change his consulting agency into a non-profit organization benefiting geoscience students struggling to find jobs due to lack of experience or contacts within the industry. It is Eric's dream to create an environment through GEM's programming where students can apply the knowledge they have acquired in school to the practical industry applications used by many leading geologic and mining companies before they graduate, giving those students a higher chance at landing a job in their area of study, post-graduation. 
​
 What do you enjoy most about being involved in GEM? 
The thing I enjoy most about being involved in GEM is knowing that the work I do in the field as a geologist helps support the organization's non-profit initiatives. GEM has provided me the opportunity to do what I love while simultaneously impacting the community in a positive way. You can't ask for much more than that in a job, I have it made! 
 
What were your feelings when GEM first started and being part of the organization? 
The initiation of GEM both scared and excited me. I worked for two years as an intern and contractor with the BLM and realized that there were needed improvements to the hiring and training systems in place, but in order to create change, I had to work for two more years without any guaranteed income. I took that risk despite the fear because change was necessary, and I knew that I had the support of my family and friends to carry GEM through. 
 
What kind of progress has GEM made and what kind of progress do you see GEM making in the future? 
You will probably hear this a lot as these stories are published, but it is an important part of the narrative and our family business. GEM started at my mother’s dining room table. With the help of family, friends and the support of many in our local community, we were able to grow from the dining table to a multi-suite building that houses the main operation center for our many growing programs. I would like to see GEM grow into an organization that spreads across many states, incorporating AmeriCorps programming, professional development, and workforce solutions that help students transition into highly sought-after employees in career paths with the reputable companies and agencies across the nation. 
 
 In what ways does GEM feel like a family and what do you like most about GEM? 
GEM is my family. Not just because it started with the help of my family, but because each and every person that comes into the fold with GEM becomes a part of my family. I think of the people involved with the organization as my family; I care for them, their happiness, their well-being, and their success.  We all come to this organization as diamonds in the rough, and with the support and encouragement of our amazing team we polish out to be shiny GEM stones. 
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Mona and Gary Welsh are the proud parents of GEM’s Executive Director and Founder, Eric Welsh. They have been working with Eric to build GEM’s foundation since day one. Mona is the treasurer and secretary of GEM Environmental. She maintains immaculate records and ensures that all of GEM’s finances remain in order. Outside of the office, she volunteers alongside her husband, Gary Welsh. Gary is one of GEM’s hardest working volunteers. He helps with every community project and can build just about anything.  
 
What do you enjoy most about being involved in GEM? 
The best part about being involved with GEM is seeing the curiosity of young students as they discover science. It is like a light turns on in their mind when they discover the secrets of the universe. When a college student applies for one of our supplemental scholarships, they write about their plans for the scholarship, and they always relate their enthusiasm. Whether they plan to use it for buying books or helping to fund their graduate research, the recipients usually follow-up with stories and pictures of their projects. Seeing the dreams of students come to life and knowing that we had a small part in their fulfillment, is heartfelt.  

What were your feelings when GEM first started and being part of the organization? 
When our Son, Eric Welsh, sitting at our kitchen table, began the application for his NFP, Not for Profit, dream, which would become Gem Environmental and its service arm, GEM for STEM, we were curious, supportive, amazed, and proud of this young man who worked diligently to make his dream materialize. It took a lot of hard work to build this organization, and the perseverance to overcome the obstacles that get in the way.  

What kind of progress has GEM made and what kind of progress do you see GEM making in the future? 
Gem for Stem has partnered with Arizona Serve, AmeriCorps, The Bureau of Land Management, Prescott Schools, Parks and Recreation, Yavapai and Prescott Colleges, NAU, and local volunteers to bring STEM Projects, classes, guest speakers, and field experience to our tri city school students. Our goal is to introduce tri-city students to the many dimensions of a career in STEM.  
Some of our projects are: Improving the Prescott Community Nature Center. Community service projects, educational field trips for local students, Internships for University students at our New Mexico Abandoned Mine remediation sights. Our supplemental Scholarship program have helped High School students pay for their SAT; undergraduate students Pay for books, lab supplies, or rent; and graduate Students achieve their research. One of our graduate students used her GEM scholarship to help finance her research studying Islandic volcanos. 
 In the future GEM’s Executive Director, Eric Welsh, has big plans for the GEM organization: a permanent field office in New Mexico, with corresponding partnerships; contracts and cooperative agreements in Arizona and other western states; and expanded scholarships. The future belongs to STEM students and GEM Environmental hopes to inspire American students to pick up the cause of science in STEM careers.   

​In what ways does GEM feel like a family and what do you like most about GEM? 
Working and volunteering with the people of GEM is a gratifying experience. The dedication of the GEM Corp members and employees of stem is the epidemy of Team, and it is fun. In fact, it is such a great organization that one of our scholarship recipients has come to work for our New Mexico remediation program. She will work in the field and supervise GEM’s newest NAU geology interns. This beautiful part of the universe that is our community, is bringing together students, teachers, and many community volunteers in our effort to help make the future of our nation a better place to grow. ​

As a native Arizonian, Chino has always felt a certain responsibility and commitment towards the community that raised him. This sense of responsibility inspired him to begin taking psychology classes at Yavapai College. While attending his first semester, Chino quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work. He fell in love with the rewarding feeling gained through nonprofit work while attending community college. This resolve stuck with him through the rest of his collegiate years, leading him to complete a Bachelor of Social Work at Northern Arizona University. After five years working with several different behavioral health nonprofit companies, Chino decided to continue his dream and further his education. He now holds a master’s in professional counseling.  
Although he is busy doing amazing things as a counselor, Chino has always made time to support GEM. As the Diversity Officer for the board, Chino ensures that GEM’s programs reach the underserved populations that GEM aims to support.  
  
What do you enjoy most about being involved in GEM?  
One of the biggest things, why I enjoy being involved with GEM, is the opportunity to be a part of an organization whose mission they feel passionately about. I honestly believe they provide unique educational opportunities for STEM students. They work extremely hard to provide these opportunities through paid internships, scholarships, and vocational training.  
   
What were your feelings when GEM first started and being part of the organization?  
I was very excited to hear that this organization wanted to give more light to the STEM field and make sure that people from all walks of life have access to these programs. I also was incredibly happy to see that GEM would be working with community institutions and schools.  
   
What kind of progress has GEM made, and what kind of progress do you see GEM making in the future?  
GEM has made some significant progress; GEM is slowly developing a name for itself. GEM has made it to Prescott Living Magazine, Prescott Woman Magazine, Prescott eNews, Valley Verde TV, This AmeriCorps Life Podcast, Arizona Geology e-Magazine. It also has partnered with Yavapai Community College. I can’t wait to see the progress the GEM will make in the future.  
   
In what ways does GEM feel like a family, and what do you like most about GEM?  
Gem feels like a family by how they Care. Just like a family, when someone is in need, you turn to family. GEM offers support and encouragement like a family. GEM also has an outstanding commitment to all members of its organization. GEM is also committed to its communication with its members; GEM members are encouraged to ask questions and are willing to listen to one another. 
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