New Kids on the Block: Interview with Skylar

Your first-year planting can be really challenging! To help make sure you put your best foot forward in your rookie season, we’ve interviewed Skylar, one of our first years. She told us how she’s enjoyed her first season, gave us her tips on how to make the most of your first year and become as productive as possible. Enjoy!

Where are you from?

I am from Hamilton, Ontario.

Where did you plant this season?

I planted in Kamloops, BC.

What made you originally interested in planting?

When I first met my partner, they were telling me about all their years of tree planting a few things really stood out to me. First and foremost, I was shocked at how much money one could make in such a short amount of time. Another was how freeing the job was and that so much of it is how you self-regulate. Nobody tells you when to take a break or how long that break can be. You are almost your own boss and it all comes down to how much money you want to make that day. I also saw some of his pictures of the views he had at different blocks and how beautiful the sites were working at such high altitudes surrounded by beautiful mountains. The job also sounded like such a physical challenge, which definitely intrigued me as I love being physically active and challenging my body to see what it is capable of. As well, as someone coming from a more typically structured job of working an hourly rate where no matter how hard you work, you make the same amount as the person beside you who is working half as fast. I loved the idea that the degree you are willing to work directly affects how much money you make. The harder one works, the more money one gets; I thought that was a really fair system. But what finally truly made me decide to go tree planting is when I found out that I could bring my dog to work with me! I loved the idea of having my dog by my side all day getting lots of fresh air and exercise, as well as being a form of protection against wildlife.

How did you hear about Leader Silviculture?

I heard about Leader Silviculture from my partner who has planted for 7+ years and has planted with Leader previously and told me that they are by far one of the best tree planting companies in BC. He told me about the great pricing you get for trees, and they are one of the few companies that genuinely care about their workers. I was also appreciative that they hire mostly veterans and are not a “party” camp, and I knew it would be a great company to learn how to plant really good quality trees.

Did you have any expectations going into the season about what it might be like?

Yes, definitely. I had some expectations of how easily I would pick up the job. I thought that it would be solely a physical job and did not expect so much mental thought and creativity when it comes to putting the trees in the ground. I definitely thought it would be more straightforward without having to put so much thought into it.

Is the work as hard as you thought that would be going in?

The work is way harder than I thought it would be. Even though I heard SO MUCH about tree planting leading up to it, nothing anyone could say would properly prepare me for what it would actually be like. It has been challenging in ways I would never have imagined and has turned out to be so much more of a complex job than I thought it would be. Initially, I thought it would be purely a physical job where you could turn your mind off and just push your body, but it is both so physically and mentally stimulating.

What has your favourite part of the season been so far?

There are so many things to choose from, it is hard to pick just one. The personal growth I have gone through is probably one of my favourites, though. Starting off the season so overwhelmed with everything I needed to learn, and all the different specs for each new piece of land and being so much slower than I expected myself to be, to seeing myself gain speed and strength and learn to flow through the land has been amazing. As well, being out in such beautiful nature, with a birds-eye view of the landscape around me and surrounded by so much wildlife has been incredible. I feel this job is so so beneficial to my mental health, I have never felt so mentally positive, balanced and healthy. I think the combination of physical endurance and being in the fresh air while constantly surrounded by nature is so good for the human body.

Have you made any friends this season that you will keep in touch with?

Absolutely! Living with the same group of people for months, going to work every day with them, having after-work beers, and doing things on days off together really forms a bond between everyone on the crew.

How has motel life been?

Even though I have never experienced bush camp life, from what I hear about it, I am very grateful to be staying in a motel. I love that after a long hard day at work, especially if it has been raining all day, I can come home, shower, get clean and dry, and cozy up on the couch. I feel like being in the motel lets us relax and recover more fully than having to deal with the hardships of camping. As well, being so close to town allows us to have a really good work/life balance, as well as ease of getting supplies and groceries.

Do you have any interests or hobbies?

I enjoy hiking with my dog, or anything that involves being outside, yoga, and art.

What do you do on your days off?

On days off I usually get groceries or any other supplies I might need. I like to draw or paint on my days off and work on one of my art projects. As well, some days I just watch movies all day and completely relax.

What do you do in your off-season?

I hope to continue working as long as possible and am considering doing brushing through to November. Then, I’ll probably go home to visit family for Christmas and do some traveling before planting starts up again.

What do you think the biggest benefit of planting is?

Being out in nature all day is definitely a huge benefit. Being physically active and feeling strong while also having to creatively think your way through finding good microsites brings a good balance of being physically and mentally stimulating. Being surrounded by like-minded people who become a part of your family and support system is also a huge benefit. As well as being somewhat in control of how much money you make by how much you put into planting and how hard you decide to work.

What would be your biggest do’s and don’t’s for new planters next season? If so, what were the biggest factors that contributed to your success?

Definitely don’t underestimate how hard the job will be. Try to get yourself into physical shape well before you start planting. If you know anyone who has planted before, definitely pick their brain for necessary things to bring with you, because there were a lot of things I didn’t think I would need that has come in handy. Don’t skimp out on buying good quality equipment, especially boots. If you are willing to invest some money in making sure your equipment is good from the start it will absolutely pay off throughout the season. Making sure to have great rain gear that will protect you but not cause you to overheat is very important. Finally, make sure to research helpful supplements and foods that will allow your body to keep up with the tasks you need it to perform. And stretching….lots of stretching after work.

Will you come back for another season?

Absolutely! I am already wishing the season was longer. The job is weirdly addicting, as you can always improve and get better and find more efficient ways to plant the trees and do it faster. I am excited to continue to learn and gain skills in this industry.