by Kelly Sanderbeck, Donor Engagement Manager
Washington’s National Park Fund (WNPF) works to fund critical priority projects in Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks, and we couldn’t do it without our dedicated supporters. Our Trailblazers series celebrates these passionate park lovers and all of their reasons for giving. This week, meet Gerry Chambers. We had a conversation about what the parks mean to her.
Are you from this area originally? If not, what brought you here?
I’m originally from Buffalo, NY and I came here in 1979 for a job with the Public Health Service. It was a wonderful first job. I’m just now letting my physical therapy license go as I’m turning 70 this year. The smartest thing I did was join The Mountaineers during the first two weeks after I arrived. Not so smart was signing up for an alpine scrambling class, without having much hiking background! They taught a lot of good safety things, but I’m a trail girl, not a scramble girl. Practicing ice axe arrest on Mount Rainier was not pleasant for me…
Has your life changed much with COVID-19 – work, personal, etc.? What are you doing to stay sane?
It’s been interesting. My personal life has been fine. As a retired PT I have not had to negotiate anything much. What has impacted us the most is volunteer vacations with Washington Trails Association and Wilderness Volunteers, all of which either or canceled or changed so they were not appealing to me. My partner runs a project that studies Cooper’s Hawks with the City of Seattle, where they look for nests and fledglings. He’s had a lot more volunteers during this time, and I’ve gone along most of the time with him. It has been very interesting. Everyone close to us is healthy, and I have a new computer so I can Zoom!
Did you have experiences in the outdoors growing up?
Not really; I grew up in the suburbs. My Dad was a WWII veteran and said: ‘I camped in the Army; I’ll never camp again!’ During college in Albany I went to the Adirondacks on a few backpacks (some of them not so smart…). I was attracted to the outdoors, but I didn’t do a lot of hiking. The Mountaineers course was good for teaching me respect for the mountains. I still have many friends from those days.
Any day at Mount Rainier is a good day.
What are some of your most memorable experiences in our parks? Do you have a favorite park or memory?
Any day at Mount Rainier is a good day. It’s my ‘home place’ and favorite park. I tried to climb it twice, and but it was not very much fun. It really taught me to respect the mountain. I’ve had so many wonderful days that I’m not sure I could choose one in particular. They are all good and all different. You might see a grouse or run into someone you know. Every year I go to Skyscraper Pass out of Sunrise. Second Burroughs is wonderful too.
What is your favorite thing to do now in the parks?
I hike, cross-country ski, and do trail work with WTA. As soon as possible, they started back doing work parties – limited to six people. Sign-ups were immediately full (before COVID-19 there would be 15-20 people on a work party). On one of the WTA work parties I had a very memorable hike at Ipsut Creek — hiking to the glacier and back. There was a terrible thunderstorm, and I went back through that
What do you do, or have done, in your ‘real’ life? What else do you like to do for enjoyment?
I became a Forest Steward with Green Seattle, a partnership between Forterra and Seattle Parks and Rec, 5-6 years ago. They coordinate work parties for forest restoration in the city and provide tools. The ivy is winning now… School kids come and work, and it’s especially a great thing for teenagers as they can get a lot of volunteer hours. I’ve also logged 235 days doing trail maintenance and building with WTA.
I’ve also volunteered with Wilderness Volunteers in parks and public lands across the country — Zion, Arches, Point Reyes, and Saguaro NP. It was very satisfying as we pull invasive species and it’s a great opportunity to spend a full week in a park. I was supposed to do Sequoia & Kings Canyon this year, but it was canceled.
I also spend my time reading, cooking, and getting together with people. And birding. Another group I’m involved with is the One World Outing Club, which coordinates a cross country ski bus in the winter and hikes during the summer – some of the best women you’ll ever find and a few guys!
How did you discover Washington’s National Park Fund and why did you choose to get involved?
I have no idea. Mount Rainier is my holiest place. When you look at it, it looks so much easier to climb. I was a young 30-year-old and thought: ‘I can do this.’ I had no clue! Nobody tried to talk me into it; it was all me. The upper mountain is a different world. I never trained enough. In reality, I don’t think it’s necessarily something you have to do. What I Iike best is to be down with the flowers and animals. But, it gave me a lot of good stories for a lot of years!
Do you have interest in getting more involved at this point? Events? Volunteering? Board service? Over the Top or Parks Everlasting Society?
I have put WNPF in my will and am part of the Parks Everlasting Society. I’m also interested in doing more volunteer work – on trails or even stuffing envelopes! I have such a strong relationship with people I meet outside; a real bond. When you volunteer together, you’re solving problems, just like in a work relationship. It’s valuable and meaningful. Our main support system has been this ‘family of choice.’
How do you hope our parks look and operate in 100 years?
I’d like them to be even better and bigger. I heard that they were considering closing Visitor Centers. I’d hate to see that.
We are so grateful for the many Trailblazers who help us achieve our mission. Interested in supporting the parks? Give a gift today, and together we’ll ensure our parks remain vibrant and everlasting for years to come.