Kelly Alvidrez: Arizona Sate Park Youth Ambassador

[Source: America’s State Parks]

Kelly Alvidrez

State:

Arizona

Age:

26

Bio:

I am one of the few, it seems, that was able to grow up in the outdoors. I went on my first camping trip at age 6 months and have been tramping through the woods ever since.

When I was a kid you could find me building an igloo in the back yard, rebuilding my tree fort in the summer or investigating the creek that ran through the woods.

Now, as an adult I still have a passion for camping, hiking, and tramping through the woods. I love being outside! I love climbing a peak even more! With sunshine on my face and a pack on my back I feel unstoppable.

I Am A State Park Ambassador Because:

Being an Ambassador for Arizona State Parks is a great opportunity for me to share my love of the outdoors, and knowledge of conservation.

If I am able to inspire just one youth to go out and experience the beauty and wildness of nature, mission accomplished. But with that in mind, it is just as important for me to teach environmental education and interpretation, so these same youth will also know how to respect nature.

Schools Attended:

University of California, Santa Cruz and Arizona State University

First State Park:

Not sure, I would have been pretty young and don’t remember

Favorite State Park:

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, California or any park on the ocean

Park I Am Dying To Visit:

Red Rock State Park, Arizona

I’ve Visited State Parks In:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Coolest Thing I’ve Seen In Parks:

The coolest thing I have seen lately would have to be in Catalina State Park. The way the sun was setting across from the Catalina Mountains gave this glow; it was magical!

Interests:

Discovering new places, adventuring, road trips, going to the beach, and good coffee

Music Played At My Campfire:

Jack Johnson

What Not To Miss In My State’s Parks:

The small creatures. There are so many big rocks and cliffs and mountains. Look for the small things

Who I Would Go On A Hike With If I Could:

John Steinbeck or Theodore Roosevelt

This Sums It All Up For Me:

“Smell the sea and feel the sky, Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic…” ~Van Morrison