Hana Tabit (right) and Mitchell Carter (left) of Westport, Massachusetts share your dedication to caring for the environment.
What has been your favorite part of the BayCoast Bank Outreach and Stewardship Summer Internship?
Growing up in Westport, I would walk the Westport Land Conservation Trust trails a lot–so the most rewarding part of this internship has been being able to concretely make a positive impact in the community. I get to do what other people did for me–help preserve the natural beauty of Westport and help make it available for the community to enjoy.
Being able to witness first-hand what a grassroots community project looks like! Whether it’s land trust employees, Tuesday Trail Team volunteers, private philanthropists or regular people who just want to support the work–this really is a community-driven organization!
What is the most important thing you’ve learned/gained from this internship program?
I have learned how to put in hard work with a deliberate end goal in mind. Seeing the success of the St. Vincent de Paul property after all the time we spent caring for it was very rewarding.
I have learned an enormous amount about the scale of work required to preserve the public trails. It was something I had definitely taken for granted. Working with land trust staff and our lovely trail team volunteers has taught me about the amount of effort and dedication required to create and maintain our beautiful public spaces.
(Above) Hana and Mitchell constructing the post caps for the wooden gates at Westport Woods.
Why is it important to support your local land trust?
As a proud Westport resident, the natural character of this town is very important to me. Local land trusts and those who support local land trusts help bring people and communities closer together through nature.
In small towns like Westport that have agricultural roots, it is important that residents recognize their part in preserving the rural character of their community. Local land trusts foster stronger, more informed, more personal, more dedicated community members.
(Left) Hana and Mitchell installing a new property sign for Noquochoke Conservation Area on Pine Hill Road.
The Westport Land Conservation Trust, Inc. Outreach and Stewardship Summer Internship Program is made possible, in part, by our friends and sponsors at BayCoast Bank. A community bank serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island, BayCoast provides personal and business banking services, insurance and investments.