Partnership between DRA and Veterans’ Administration Fulfills a Dream

Growing up in a small farming community in Massachusetts, Jim Grenier dreamed of becoming a park ranger. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking. “If it was in the field or in the woods, I was there,” he reminisces. Though his dream was postponed by unfortunate circumstances, a recent partnership between the Veterans’ Administration (VA) and the DRA has reopened that door for him.

Grenier hoped to attend Unity College when he graduated from high school. Unable to afford the tuition, however, he decided to enlist in the Navy, planning to take advantage of the military’s assistance with college later. Unfortunately, his plans were derailed by a serious automobile accident just months after enlisting. Honorably discharged from the Navy, Grenier worked as a self-employed carpenter for 28 years. Occasionally exploring other paths – commercial fishing, marine maintenance, landscaping, sporting goods – Grenier longed for a career in environmental resources.

Fast forward 28 years. Grenier was finding that construction work was taking too much of a toll on his body, and the VA agreed that he would do well to consider a career change. The VA provided a vocational rehabilitation counselor who encouraged Grenier to enroll at the University of Maine at Augusta and then transfer to Unity College to pursue his dream. He graduated with honors from Unity College in May 2015 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks and Forest Resource Management.

After graduating, Grenier began looking for work in his new field. His search brought him to the Damariscotta River Association, where he started out volunteering at the front desk. He quickly developed a profound appreciation for the conservation work DRA is doing, and in turn was able to offer invaluable expertise with DRA’s stewardship program and facilities maintenance.

Clearly there was a niche for Grenier at the DRA, and it was a wonderful fit. Unfortunately, it was not within the scope of DRA’s budget to create a new staff position. The VA once again stepped forward with a solution: to provide funding for Grenier’s employment at DRA for 22-28 hours a week, for one year. Grenier gains experience in the conservation field, and DRA benefits from his enthusiasm and considerable skills.

“We all agreed just as soon as this was proposed that this would be fantastic,” enthused DRA Executive Director Steven Hufnagel. “His passion for conservation is so palpable, and he’s brought great energy and experience to the mix already.”

Since coming on board earlier this month, Grenier is already deeply involved with DRA’s dedicated crew of volunteers in tackling annual facilities maintenance projects, both at Round Top Farm and Great Salt Bay Farm. He is also working with stewardship volunteers to monitor and maintain DRA’s 42 properties across eight towns along the Damariscotta River.

Looking back on this unexpected turn of events, Grenier reflects, “It was a round-about way of eventually getting to where I am. The VA program made this all possible… without it, I wouldn’t be here right now.”