By Morgan Frederick

Spending time as a Forest Ambassador in the San Juan Mountains has given me a deeper appreciation for the landscapes we often take for granted. Every shift on the trail reminds me that public lands are more than just places to recreate—they are living ecosystems, shared spaces, and, in many ways, classrooms without walls.

As part of the San Juan Mountains Association’s Forest Ambassador program, in partnership with the San Juan National Forest, my role is to help connect visitors to the land in meaningful ways. Sometimes that looks like answering questions about trail conditions, regulations, or Leave No Trace principles. Other times it means helping someone feel more prepared, safe, or simply more connected to where they are.

Working at trailheads like Blue Lakes and other high-use recreation areas, I’ve seen firsthand how much people care about these places. Visitors come from all over, often in awe of the beauty of the San Juans, eager to experience alpine lakes, wildflowers, and mountain views. But with that growing use comes a growing responsibility.

One of the biggest parts of this work is education. Small actions—packing out trash, staying on trail, respecting wildlife, and understanding fire restrictions—can make a lasting difference. I’ve learned that stewardship often begins with conversation. A simple exchange at a trailhead can help protect these landscapes for future generations.

What has stood out to me most is how much this role blends service, education, and conservation. Coming from a background in environmental education, being a Forest Ambassador feels like a natural extension of what I value most: helping people build relationships with the natural world.

The San Juan Mountains are special not only because of their beauty, but because they belong to all of us. They offer adventure, reflection, challenge, and peace. Being entrusted to help care for these places—and encourage others to do the same—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my summer.

Stewardship is not just the responsibility of land managers or organizations. It belongs to all of us who walk these trails, breathe this mountain air, and find joy in wild places. If there’s one thing this work has taught me, it’s that protecting our public lands starts with showing up, paying attention, and caring deeply.

Morgan Frederick is a Forest Ambassador with the San Juan Mountains Association, where she works to support stewardship, education, and visitor engagement on public lands across the San Juan Mountains.