Sydney has been an incredible part of ITA’s Youth Trail Crew since 2021! As she embarks on her university journey next month, we want to send out a huge thank you from all of us at ITA. Your hard work has made Idaho’s trails better, and your dedication has inspired others to follow in your footsteps. Best of luck, Sydney!

What are some of the things you enjoy doing for fun? What are your hopes for your future?

Hi, my name is Sydney Norsk and I am 18 years old. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors, whether that be backpacking in Stanley or simply spending time playing spikeball or sand volleyball with my friends. I’m headed off to Santa Clara University next month to study Economics / Finance. Over the next four years, I’m excited to continue learning and exploring my passions, while discovering new interests along the way. I hope to find a fulfilling career that allows me to give back to the community.

How and why did you first get involved with ITA? What do you like about volunteering with ITA?

When I moved from Chicago to Boise around seven years ago, the first thing that stuck out to me was the immense public access to trails and natural spaces right out my backdoor. From hiking to camping, I immediately took advantage of all Idaho’s beautiful wilderness had to offer and never looked back. As one of ITA’s Board Members, my aunt, Tobey Jinkins, has been extremely involved in trail work. She inspired me to give my first trip a try in 2021 and I fell in love with the experience. I love how each trip I have taken has allowed me to explore different areas of Idaho’s wilderness and to disconnect from my bustling everyday, solely appreciating nature and the people around me. I also love the sense of camaraderie among volunteers that forms; I have met so many amazing people during my time as a volunteer for ITA. Lastly, I appreciate being able to give back to the trails that I get to enjoy on a daily basis.

Most memorable backcountry or ITA experience?

On my first trip a couple summers ago, we took a jet boat down the Salmon River to our work site which was a super cool way to start off our adventure! During that trip, we were brushing through thick vegetation along the trail in the sweltering mid summer heat, when we encountered a rattlesnake. I had never seen a rattlesnake up close before and to hear the rattle of its tail was quite the thrill. Along our hike back and throughout the next few days we continued to see lots of rattlesnakes and had to modify our work around them. Last summer,  I also was lucky enough to see a huge mountain goat that hung out around our camp by Black Lake. He had the build of a linebacker and didn’t seem the slightest bit bothered by our presence. We also got to catch a glimpse of a kid and its mother during our trip which was awesome!

How do you feel like working with ITA has changed you?

Working with ITA has made me even more grateful for the outdoor spaces that Idaho, and the rest of our planet, naturally provides. Spending so much time out in the wilderness has allowed me to slow down and reflect on the grave impact that we as a society make on these natural spaces, myself included. These experiences have fueled an interest in environmental conservation, which is something that I aim to explore in college, so that future generations can experience the same serenity out in the mountains that I am so grateful for.

Why are trails worth protecting?

Trails are worth protecting for so many reasons. Trails allow people an outlet for exploration, they facilitate a way to destress, and most importantly they provide a way to connect with nature. In order for people to be able to continue to enjoy the benefits that trails provide, they must be protected and treated with utmost respect.