Michaela - Squam Lakes Conservation Society

When I made the decision to serve with AmeriCorps and the Lakes Region Conservation Corps I had somewhat of an idea how I would spend my days. I would hopefully get to spend as much time as possible outside exploring and monitoring conserved land. I assumed I would spend most of my time with the other SLCS AmeriCorps member as well as other members of the staff at the conservation society. But what I didn’t expect was how much time I would be spending with volunteers and other members of the community. I feel like I’ve always had a strong sense of community but never really thought about the importance of community within the land trust realm.

My first introduction to the community that supports the Squam Lakes Conservation Society was at the volunteer gathering. An event that happens every year which signifies the start of volunteer monitoring for the season. I got the opportunity to speak to many people who have been volunteering in Squam for decades. These people know the properties they monitor like the back of their hands and are very knowledgeable about conservation easements. Learning from them and hearing their stories has helped me to better understand Squam Lake as a place and just how deeply rooted it is in their lives even if they don't live here full time. It was so interesting to hear from these people who have such a strong sense of place. They willingly give up their time and energy every summer to help monitor these conserved lands. Easement monitoring is no joke either, it involves a lot of bushwhacking through the woods in search of elusive corner and boundary markings. The members of this community take a lot of pride in what they do and the part they play in protecting this beautiful place.

Since that volunteer gathering I have had many more opportunities to spend time with the volunteers including getting to join some of them on their monitoring visits. I have been spending most of my time monitoring properties and have gotten very comfortable with the routine of learning about a property through documents and a GIS shapefile. Getting to walk out on properties with people who have been monitoring them for years has been a completely different experience. I get to learn about the properties in a completely organic way. Each volunteer has connections to these properties and with that comes so many stories.

Seeing the passion that these community members have towards protecting their space is something that I will keep with me as I continue on with my career in conservation work. This experience has helped me to better understand the importance of community and how just a few enthusiastic, driven people can inspire change and help to make a tangible difference.

Michaela has been serving with Squam Lakes Conservation Society as a half-term member since May. In her free time, she enjoys getting outside hiking and paddling. Learn more about Michaela here!

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