Summer Conservation Associates
Formerly AmeriCorpsThey Made It!
Please welcome our new Summer Conservation Associates, Kayla and Olivia!
Conservation Associates support both field and office work to advance our land trust’s protection and stewardship mission. This position provides exposure to multiple aspects of conservation work including land management, community engagement, research, administration, fundraising, and communications—offering valuable mentorship and hands-on experience for those exploring conservation careers.
You’ll see them around Squam conducting site visits, researching conservation projects, maintaining trails, monitoring properties, mapping ecological resources, and organizing community events and member activities.
By summer’s end, Kayla and Olivia will have gained practical knowledge of conservation leadership, non-profit operations, fundraising, and essential skills for future success. Please welcome them if you encounter them around the lake, and thank you to everyone who helped us invest in the next generation of conservation leaders.
Hello! My name is Kayla.
I am from a small town in Northwestern CT. I grew up in the woods playing outside with my brothers hiking, running, biking and so I love to stay active. Since I was young my family and I have camped across the country many times visiting various National Parks and this is what sparked my love of the outdoors. I graduated UConn with a degree in Natural Resources and a concentration in Water Resources and Climate. I transferred from UMaine Orono and am glad I did because that is where I stumbled upon the UConn Woodsmen team. I compete collegiately with surrounding New England colleges doing sawing, chopping, and other various activities with wood! I hope to learn more about how to save our natural resources such as forests and water and how humans play a vital role in keeping them clean and resourceful for the future.
Hi, I’m Olivia!
I am from the beautiful coastal town of Fairfield, CT. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, with a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), from the University of Connecticut—go Huskies! I’m especially interested in limnology and excited to expand my knowledge. My love for nature began with gardening. I enjoy growing herbs to use in homemade bread and teas. Beyond that, I love hiking, cooking, and reading. I’m looking forward to learning and contributing to conservation efforts with the Squam Lakes Conservation Society!
DOGE Cancels AmeriCorps Funding
(May 2025) Last week, The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ordered the cancellation of approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grants—about 41% of the agency’s annual budget. This decision affects over 32,000 AmeriCorps members and volunteers, as well as 1,031 partner organizations nationwide. On Monday, Squam Lakes Conservation Society was informed that these funding cuts included our two AmeriCorps positions. These cuts have negatively impacted not only SLCS but our many partners throughout the Lakes Region who participate in the Lakes Region Conservation Corps.
AmeriCorps members serve not only their host sites, but the community at large. These young people are given a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to learn, grow, and become leaders in environmental work. They are the future of land conservation.
The impact that programs like AmeriCorps have is clear to SLCS, and we remain dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of conservationists who serve our community. We are committed to ensuring that the two young women we recruited through AmeriCorps for 2025 will be provided a rewarding paid position with SLCS. We believe it is critical to provide opportunities for young professionals to grow into our next generation of conservation heroes.
One of our current staff members, Emily Landry, started her professional career as an AmeriCorps member, and her story is a testament to how meaningful these opportunities are. Emily shares:
“The day after I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in May 2018, I drove up to Squam Lake for the first time to start a 5 month AmeriCorps term with the Lakes Region Conservation Corps (LRCC) at the Squam Lakes Conservation Society (SLCS).
That summer, I was able to get hands-on land conservation experience right out of college. I learned the inner workings of SLCS and land trusts in general, built connections to the Squam community and other AmeriCorps members, and developed the skills I needed to continue my career in conservation. Within a year after finishing my AmeriCorps term, I landed my “first real job” as a regional stewardship manager for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.
Now, almost seven years after seeing Squam Lake for the first time, I’m sitting at my desk as the land acquisition director for SLCS, looking out my office window at Squam Lake and reflecting on how AmeriCorps laid the foundation of my career. I am a conservation professional in the land trust world and I credit that to my AmeriCorps term at SLCS.”
2024 AmeriCorps members, Michaela Duda and Sarah Burtnik with ALCS Stewardship Director, Katie Currie-Huggard maintaining Doublehead Preserve view site.
2023 AmeriCorps member Erika Looman with fellow SLA AmeriCorps renovating the cabin on Hersey Mountain.
2022 AmeriCorps members, Emily and Emerson (M&M for short) keeping the view at Doublehead looking amazing.
2021 AmeriCorps members Cat and Skye putting in some miles to conduct some of our annual easement monitoring.