Two weeks at DLLT – Interns share their Experience

July 29, 2011

The end of this week signifies the half way mark of our internship at the Downeast Lakes Land Trust. In such a short period of time, our experiences have been wide-spread, and lessons learned incredibly beneficial, eye-opening and thought-provoking.

Our first two weeks entailed activities that allowed us to jump right into projects representative of the major components of the organization and provided opportunities to develop a greater understanding of DLLT’s work.

Three tasks completed during these two weeks allowed us to develop a greater understanding of the role the organization plays in providing recreational opportunities for both community members of Grand Lake Stream and visitors. These tasks included blazing the Little Mayberry Cove hiking trail on West Grand Lake, starting trail maintenance on the Pocumcus Lake Trail, as well as obtaining data points using a GPS to create a user friendly trail guide for the Wabassus Mountain Trail.

Working along with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in inventorying brook trout streams for splash dams left from the river-driving era brought to our attention the issues associated with freshwater species and habitats in Downeast Maine.

In assisting committee members of DLLT’s Education Program with the Explorations & Adventures children’s program, we had to the opportunity to see first hand one method the organization uses in education and community outreach. Through our observations, the activities for the children served in developing a greater appreciation of Maine’s wildlife.

While out monitoring the Farm Cove Community Forest for late-successional characteristics using the LS Index with Orion Forester Kyle Burdick, we learned more about the subcomponents of their forest management plan. This specific outing certainly served to open our eyes in regards to integrating both timber and biodiversity management.

In removing an old road crossing and beaver dam to assist in the restoration of Hayes Brook with members of Project SHARE (Salmon Habitat and River Enhancement), we were exposed to one method DLLT uses in accomplishing their mission. On this occasion, this was done through collaborating with another organization with the common interest of restoration of native salmon and brook trout habitat.

A lot is happening at the Land Trust. We are looking forward to the Folk Art festival this weekend and Loon monitoring next week!

– Cara McGuire and Karena Mahung