Abandoned Mine Posts

By Rick Thompson, AmeriCorps Volunteer

EDITOR’S NOTE: In an effort to increase our outreach and share environmental success stories to the public as a whole and the Abandoned Mine Reclamation (AMR) Community in particular, WPCAMR has enlisted the assistance of Americorps Volunteer, Rick Thompson. Among other duties, Rick will be helping WPCAMR continue to grow its “WPCAMR Video Diaries” initiative and will be a regular contributor to “Abandoned Mine Posts”. In this issue of “Abandoned Mine Posts”, Rick shares a little about himself—his life’s journey and his enthusiasm for the work we all do. Today, we welcome Rick as he becomes a part of our AMR community.

Rick Thompson

Hi, my name is Rick Thompson. I am WPCAMR’s AmeriCorps Volunteer until August 2009. I will be assisting WPCAMR communicate with the public and deliver outreach resources to the Abandoned Mine Reclamation community.

I make a strong connection with the work done by WPCAMR and all abandoned mine reclamation efforts. Having grown up near the entrance of “Millers Shaft” in Portage, PA, much of my childhood was spent exploring the remains of old mining equipment, swimming in “sulfur creeks” and challenging the slopes of boney dumps. The culture of this once thriving industry has not only helped shape my outlook on life but also helped define who I am as a person.

As a Graduate and now Board Member of the Portage Area School District, I have a commitment to the area and its culture. Recently, I graduated from Saint Francis University (SFU) in May of 2008 with a B.S. in Environmental Biology and a background in secondary education. Over the last few years, I had the pleasure of working for the Portage Water Authority, SFU Science Education Outreach, Home Healthcare Practice and the Pennsylvania West Nile Vector Control Program in Cambria County. While working and earning my degree, I developed a deep interest in African and Latin American intercultural exchange. I’ve spent an extended period of time living and volunteering for Orphanages throughout Mexico and Honduras. I’m also part of the World Drumming Ensemble which is based out of Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA. In general, I have a strong interest in the natural world and enjoy many outdoor activities typical to west central Pennsylvania.

I look forward to the relationship I will build with WPCAMR and the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Community. With that, I offer an invitation to be contacted at any time and for any reason. Having been a resident of an area so rich in history, culture and biodiversity, I hope to help bring awareness to the coal region and its communities; it’s our chance to reclaim the future!

For more information on AmeriCorps click here.

To view a video of the Saint Francis University World Drumming Ensemble click here.