WLCT is delighted to host a fall intern this year. Meet Leila, in her own words.
My name is Leila Oliveira and I am completing my Associate’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture at Bristol Community College. I plan to continue my education at University of Massachusetts/Amherst or University of Rhode Island in environmental and agricultural studies.
I live with my dad in Fall River, where we garden for produce and design, despite the challenges of urban gardening. In my free time I love to explore: walking trails, photographing nature, and reading about botany and environmental discoveries.
Wild about wetlands
I have a deep passion for the environment and agriculture, which was sparked by the wetlands that surround us–areas where water saturates the soil or is present near the surface during part of the growing season. These regions support some of the most diverse and specialized semi-aquatic plants and wildlife. I experience a deep sense of comfort and calm while exploring and collecting data from these areas. And this connection shapes my future goals. After completing my education, I plan on working to preserve and study the native wetlands of Massachusetts, which make up 12-14% of the state’s total land area.
trails to internship
Like so many others, I learned about the Westport Land Conservation Trust by walking the trails. My first trail was at Noquochoke, where the tall trees and mossy forest floor made me feel small in comparison. When Bristol Community College asked me to choose an organization for my internship, I immediately thought of WLCT, as the trails are so well-maintained and the habitat is intact. During this semester, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the other properties maintained by the land trust. I have gained a deeper appreciation for Westport’s ecosystem and the conservation efforts fostered by WLCT.
What I’ve been working on
For my internship, Land Steward Nate McCullin has had me work on Tuesdays alongside the Trail Team, gaining experience in general land stewardship practices. I’ve been working independently to “ground truth” the status of wetlands on WLCT properties, comparing maps to what is currently on the ground. Finally, I’ve been recording the plants I find in WLCT wetland properties. I’ll be sharing my findings in future articles.
