Five Question Friday: Janine Newhouse

Janine Newhouse-National Education Specialist for Pheasants Forever's Leopold Education Project

PF: To someone who's never heard of the Leopold Education Project, how would you describe it?

JN: The Leopold Education Project is the conservation education program of Pheasants Forever. You could say LEP is the education arm of the organization. Based on the writings of Aldo Leopold, LEP's goal is to spread the concept of Land Ethics and to help instill a respect of the natural world that surrounds us. Bottom line, the future of PF and other conservation organizations is tomorrow's stewards. LEP is the key to the doorway. What lies behind the door is up to us...

PF: Where's the most unique setting that you have conducted a LEP workshop?

JN: Reno, Nevada in a casino - my boss was almost arrested.

PF: You're an avid outdoors woman. What's the most extreme outdoor activity you've ever done?

JN: Hiking the Grand Canyon (on 6 separate occasions) in one day with middle-school kids... 19 miles, switchbacks, summer heat, mountain lion encounters, big horn sheep encounters, lots of mule skat and stinky urine trails-let me tell ya, all six trips were action packed!! However all of my expeditions ended with the same look on different faces. The look of victory, fatigue and gratitude that a place so beautiful, but so harsh, could give so much joy to an individual. They did it, they hiked the Grand Canyon. Those kids felt the Colorado River rushing at their feet and the sun beaming down upon their heads.

One of these trips I had the opportunity to hike this wonder with my brother Luke and sister Becky and that was an extreme memory I will treasure forever. People come and go. They may follow the same paths we take, but a memory lasts a lifetime. Get outside and create some memories!

PF: You recently picked up fly-fishing. Tell us about your first catch.

JN: It was amazing. We, my mentor and I, were hiking along the creek bed. It was a beautiful sunny day in Minnesota. We had been out the better part of the morning and no real bites. Quite frankly, I was just trying to get used to my new water legs. If someone has never tromped along a creek in wading boots and waiters-well that is an experience itself! Classes should be instructed on this skill first, then the casting!! Klutz that I am, I trip and fill up with a wee bit of water, luckily it was summer and the cool water felt good on the old toes! We stop in a hole and I place a dry cadis fly on the line. Boom! I froze. I was so excited I almost forgot to reel the fish in! Then, one after the other! It was amazing. I even caught a fish that had been stabbed by a Great Blue Heron. Moments after I caught my first fish, I heard a rustle overhead. All at once a bald eagle swoops down and flies down the creek. Pretty amazing, but the best was yet to come...

As we were leaving the woods, I walked slowly behind my friend and the sun was setting and a sparkling blanket of fire-flies began to light up the forest floor. I stopped in complete awe to view the spectacle before me. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. Good and patient company, caught my first trout, and ended it with nature's miracle. I then realized that the need to protect these environments is essential so that one day I can pass this experience on to someone else...

PF: You're tying the knot on May 27, 2007. Have you been practicing your bouquet toss?

JN: Well, I have just about retired my little black book and I would have to say practicing my casts has strengthened my ability to toss that bouquet into the next county! I think my friend and co-worker, Pete Berthelsen, has a raffle/auction in mind for the garter though...

So get out your dollars boys!!! (I am always fundraising...)

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