Landmark is the groundbreaking project that ASC has undertaken in conjunction with American Prairie Reserve (APR) to provide “boots on the ground” support for the conservation management team at APR. Landmark crews consist of six highly motivated and skilled outdoors men and women who will live and work on the Reserve for two months at a time, collecting valuable data that will directly influence conservation management on APR.
But there is more to life on the prairie than just walking transects and collecting data. These groups of adventure scientists form a close bond and develop a family mentality while working and playing together for a month or more at a time. There are highs and lows but always something to smile about. Here is a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the life of a Landmark crew member.
Mud casualty. Crew members pitch in on the prairie to make sure the work gets done and the vehicle doesn’t get stuck, even when it means putting themselves in mud’s way.
A brief moment of rest to enjoy the unique beauty of the prairie landscape.
The crews celebrate another successful day, even in the bitter cold of winter.
Crew members, often strangers before arriving, lend each other a hand cooking community meals and even cutting each other’s hair back at HQ.
Scoping wildlife from high points around the reserve affords crew members lots of time to talk and enjoy incredible vistas.
Conditions on the Reserve are always changing and can often be relentless, but there’s no shortage of creative thinking, problem solving and camaraderie.
They call it gumbo and it arrives every spring accumulating on boots, tires and anything else it can stick to. But regardless of the conditions, Landmark crews are committed to their work.
Crews work hard, but know how to kick back and enjoy their incredible experience on the prairie.
Swollen streams are one of many obstacles Landmark crew members have to navigate in a day’s work. But there is always someone there to lend a helping hand, or at least laugh with you when you almost face plant in the water.
Being a good neighbor is important for Landmark participatns. Here crew members help the Reserve’s neighbors round up their cattle on horseback.
Days are often long and filled with adventure. Some days crews rise with the sun and return as the sun sets.
“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Above all Landmark crews have fun and find adventure. How can exploring one of the most remote areas in the lower 48 be anything but fun?
Find out more about the project and apply for a crew position on the Landmark page. Keep up with ASC by subscribing to ASC’s blog, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter (@AdventurScience), Instagram (@AdventureScience) and Google+.