Lori Heath
Meet Renee Lenti, a Mountaineers Naturalist leader and instructor with the Introduction to the Natural World Course. Renee was recognized for her leadership and contributions with the Key Instructor Badge and the Super Volunteer Badge in 2022.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND WHEN DID YOU COME?
I have traveled and lived in many places throughout my adult life, but it took moving to the PNW to really find a place that resonated as my home. It also took me by surprise since I moved here exclusively to complete a graduate degree in 2003 and never really considered staying beyond that. In fact, it only became clear after I moved away and found myself constantly replaying images of the nature that I had left behind in WA. So, while living in Germany I felt compelled to pack up my life again and return to Seattle. What I really love about living in the PNW are the many different year-round opportunities to be outside. I can’t think of many places where you have opportunities to be high in the mountains in the snow one day and exploring a rainforest and the coast the next.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
When I moved back to Seattle I decided to really invest in learning about and exploring as much of WA as I could. Before joining The Mountaineers, I would browse all the incredible year-round trips and courses simply as a guest never committing to becoming a member. But when life went on pause during the pandemic, I took the leap to join and immediately started hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing. These opportunities opened the door for me to create not only deeper connections with nature but also with a whole new community of people who have since become good friends on trail and off.
What keeps me engaged now is the realization that there are few organizations that provide so many opportunities to learn, explore, and build connections with nature and community quite like The Mountaineers. This organization also provides true intergenerational experiences, which I believe can be challenging to find in our culture.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITE VOLUNTEER MEMORIES WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
There are so many. Rather than any single trip or experience it’s the people that stand out for me. So many leaders like Sarah Hess and Cheryl Talbert have been truly inspirational. And having a chance to learn and work with the amazing knowledge base that exists within the Naturalist organization, folks like Lynn Graf, Gary Brill, Stewart Hougen, Gordie Swartzman and Tom Bancroft, just to name a few.
I believe people are inspired to advocate for things they know, and we need as many advocates for the natural world as we can get. Mentoring with the Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) program and leading trips deep into flowery meadows with the Naturalists have given me great opportunities to see other folks find their footing in the outdoors whether they feel inspired by nature or recognize their capacity to grow specific skills in the field.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES AND PLACES IN THE PNW BACKCOUNTRY?
Impossible to pick a favorite. What I know is that I am happiest outside. To that end I feel I need to be hiking, backpacking, or snowshoeing somewhere every week. On equal footing is a pull to botanize and understand more about the diverse flora I see while I am in the field. My favorite place is the one I haven’t yet found. I love exploring new places.
