Morgen was part of the Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program administered by Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT). The purpose of the program is to engage Maine college aged people in the land conservation world and develop their skills and knowledge of land conservation in Maine (especially stewardship of the land). MCHT works with colleges to identify and recruit students, who then get placed with a land conservation organization for 9 weeks. The program is intended to be mutually beneficial, with the interns gaining experience in conservation and the hosting organization receiving assistance with stewardship work. – Stewardship Director Brad Weigel
by Morgen Doyle
Since working as Stewardship Intern for Coastal Rivers, I’ve acquired numerous practical skills, including how to use various everyday equipment. Understanding how this equipment operates is essential for this internship and beneficial for everyday life. Additionally, I’ve picked up construction techniques that streamline work processes.
My trail maintenance knowledge has expanded to include cutting back overgrown plants, treating invasive plant species, and building trails. This involves using a weed whacker and a mattock to clear old stumps and roots. Even starting equipment that seems simple, like a weed wacker or a riding mower, involves multiple steps, and mastering these has been advantageous for my current and future occupations.
These skills are significant as they apply to common tasks like yard work. Thus, understanding this machinery and becoming comfortable using it prepares me for future outdoor work. Each task, regardless of difficulty, has improved my adeptness and efficiency over the summer. I’ve also gained an appreciation for the effort required to maintain public lands. It hadn’t occurred to me that constant mowing and trimming are needed to keep trails open for community use.
I enjoy this outdoor work, especially managing public lands to ensure community access. Working across various preserves provides an opportunity to explore different parts of Maine, extending beyond my birthplace. Many of these preserves, located near the ocean, offer stunning views. This internship has given me an introduction to my field of interest, as well as hands-on
experience to further my knowledge.
6/12/24
Schaller House, NewcastleThis was the first time I had dealt with invasive plant treatment. We cut each stem at the base of the invasives, then put herbicide on the freshly cut portion of the plant. The invasives at this location included knotweed and bittersweet. It was a tiring process especially with the abundant amount of invasive species all over the large property.
6/13/24
Cosima’s Preserve, BristolI used a circular saw to cut slits in the wood, then used a chisel to create a notch where the cross-piece would fit in. This was a technique I was not familiar with. Once Brad explained it to me, it was very straightforward.
6/13/24
Crooked Farm Preserve, BristolMost of the trails we did maintenance on had water access. Each place was so beautiful and unique. It made me realize how important it is to keep these trails accessible since they are very important to the community by allowing access to explore nature and stay active.
6/13/24
Crooked Farm Preserve, BristolBrad used a chainsaw to remove two trees from the trails so they wouldn’t fall and potentially injure hikers. Brad explained what he was doing and I watched the various techniques he used as he removed these hazardous trees from the path.
Morgen has lived in Maine her entire life and grew up hiking in the woods, exploring outside, and swimming in the ocean. She graduated from Mt. Ararat High School in 2021 and is now entering her senior year at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, majoring in Environmental Science with a concentration in Biology, and minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. She is also a diver for Wheaton’s Swim and Dive team.
Morgen has been interested in the environment and climate change ever since elementary school, when she would stand guard to make sure the other kids (and sometimes teachers) put paper in the recycling and not the trash. She is passionate about reducing the negative impact of humans on the planet and making our world more environmentally friendly. Last summer, she spent a few weeks in Ecuador researching biodiversity and the impacts of climate change on the people and wildlife in the country.
