What is AmeriCorps all about? This is the exact question I was asking myself when I was selected for a position with the Newfound Lake Region Association. I was intrigued by this opportunity because of my passion for conservation, love for nonprofit work, and an eagerness to move to New England. After learning more about this program and the service work I would be doing, I felt that I had made the right choice in taking this as the next step in my career path.
It has been close to 3 months since I packed up, moved 15 hours away to a place I had never been, and started my service – and boy did I hit the ground running. After the first week, when I realized all the things I had already learned and accomplished, I decided to start a running list of all the tasks and skills I had achieved, as I anticipated I was going to gain a wide variety of skills and experiences. I came into this program expecting to simply do water quality work, and I have done that and a ton of other things I never could have imagined myself doing. I have learned about the processes of water quality and how the lake changes throughout each season, the harm stormwater runoff causes to the lake and how to combat it, how to properly use power tools and construct things, all about native landscaping, how to keep the public engaged while discussing important topics in conservation, so, so much about zooplankton and their key role in the environment, and, best of all, about the local wildlife that everyone loves to see just as much as I do. There is something especially rewarding about being able to spend my days outside while doing work that contributes to the protection of the places I care about.
I have particularly enjoyed learning the processes and solutions for addressing stormwater runoff, which is the leading cause of pollution in Newfound Lake. My previous experience with trail work has given me a useful perspective on stormwater mitigation, as both involve understanding how water moves and finding effective ways to manage its flow. One thing that has really stuck out to me with our stormwater work was an impromptu stormwater project given to us a few weeks ago. There had been an unfortunate fire that swept through some houses near the lake, causing significant damage. A few days after the fire, my boss received a call asking us to come check out the site and see what we could do for a quick fix to runoff, that would now be flowing through the debris left behind by the fire. Seeing that this tragic event had just happened and that stormwater runoff was one of the major concerns made me realize how much of an impact this organization has made on its local community. I was grateful the lake was still being thought of after a stressful disaster like this, and even more grateful that I could be part of the team to help protect it after this event. It is easy to dwell on the unfortunate circumstances of an event like this, but the silver lining shows that this whole community cares about where they live and seeks out people who can help.
Nonprofit work is something I value deeply and strive to always be a part of, if not as an employee, then as a volunteer. The volunteers and the donors, in my opinion, are the most important part of a nonprofit organization. I have seen firsthand just how much of a difference and an impact is made when people selflessly donate their time or money to an organization striving to do good for the environment. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with a variety of NLRA’s volunteers, and it has accounted for some of my favorite moments while serving here. From teaching an eager couple about plankton collection and having them jump right in to collecting samples, to being stranded on a boat with another couple after a technical issue and having to be towed across the entire lake in less-than-ideal conditions, I could not have asked for better company or better memories. These are people who have graciously donated their free time to helping the NLRA with its mission to protect the Newfound Lake watershed and keep showing up day after day as supporters – and keep a smile on their faces even when things don’t go as planned.
The other essential aspect of nonprofit work is those who work there. I could not have asked for a better team to be a part of. This staff welcomed me with ease. Every day, everyone walks in with a smile on their face. It is refreshing to be around people who have a clear passion for their work and are in it for the good of the world. In my first few weeks once I had been introduced to the full staff, I realized that every single one of these people has so much knowledge, making me extremely intimidated. But I came in with open ears and have valued every piece of information they have given me. What is particularly reassuring is that even with the amount of experience these folks have compared to me, they trust me to make important decisions and to educate others. Seeing that they trust me, a newbie, to interact with the public, educate kids attending summer camp, plan and lead events, and assist with any of their daily tasks has made me feel capable in this line of work and incredibly appreciative of the mentorship I am receiving.
This AmeriCorps service work has been one of the best decisions I have made, and I recommend it to anyone who is given the opportunity. I cannot wait for the next few months and all the continued experience I will be gaining as a person and as a worker in this field. Thank you, NLRA and LRCC, for the best experience I could have asked for.
Loretta is serving as a Watershed Steward for the Newfound Lake Region Association. She comes from North Carolina, where she recently earned a B.S. in Environmental Science. Growing up in the mountains of North Carolina has given Loretta a lifelong connection to the environment and inspired her passion for conservation and giving back to the places she cares about. Learn more about her here.