I almost didn’t think that the end of my tenure with Wasatch would ever come. I have been writing for as long as I can remember. Short fiction stories, journals, and poems… but nothing like what I have found with this magazine.

I think it’s fair to say that science communication has been struggling lately. Misinformation and internet echo chambers have led to pockets of distrust in scientists across our communities. Not to mention decreasing attention spans—which I know even I deal with—make writing long-form articles feel like a futile endeavor. Sometimes it feels like I am yelling into the void. And yet, the Wasatch staff and all of you caring readers form a powerful community. The writers I’ve met have blown me away with their thoughtful environmental writing, and our artists highlight the natural world in ways that honor all its beauty. I have been amazed by the reception of my “Outdoor Research at the U” articles and the collaborations they have brought, such as the wonderful promotion of my peace with Sageland Collaborative.

If I may impart this final reflection on Wasatch Magazine and the importance of science communication: over the past few years, I have learned the importance of passion. I have interviewed many researchers across disciplines and interests. Yet, they were all connected by their passion for and desire to share what they do. It makes me all the more excited to share their stories and to help others understand what’s so special about outdoor research. In a culture of division and distrust, the genuine love of what they do can be infectious. It can connect the environmental experts and the rest of us. It can make us all care a little more about the world we live in. We just need people to write those stories and help share them.

For my final print-edition article, I decided to write a story I have wanted to share for a very long time. With a focus on the Fort Douglas military base, it may seem on the outside to be a heated topic given our country’s current affairs. But really, it is just a story. A history of someone I love very much. A reminder of why we have to keep telling stories and keep listening for the histories all around our feet. I have tried, also, to do just that in writing my “Outdoor Research” articles. I leave those scientific stories to you, to share the research, knowledge, passion and goodness still happening in the world—the real scientists, outside of the vitriol of social media spaces. I hope you’ve enjoyed them.