Meet Our New TerraCorps Service Member: Kayleigh McHugh
We’re excited to introduce you to our newest team member, Kayleigh!
Hailing from Pepperell, MA, Kayleigh and her two older brothers grew up on a family farm near town conservation land. They also spent time at a family home in Brewster during the summers. Growing up surrounded by nature and open space had its influence, and Kayleigh says it inspired her to explore more of the natural world and eventually study biology. It’s also lead her toward conservation: in summer 2019 she interned with Massachusetts DCR, and just this fall she interned with the Sipson Island Trust in Orleans.
During her 7 month term as a TerraCorps AmeriCorps member, Kayleigh will serve in a blended capacity, splitting her time between BLT and Resilient Roots as a Land Stewardship and Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator. Kayleigh's service with us will focus on enhancing BLT’s volunteer property stewardship program by developing and leading property monitoring trainings, improving reporting measures, and supporting trail map creation to recruit and support stewards. With Resilient Roots, Kayleigh will focus on enhancing their online engagement presence through the creation of educational videos and social media content; assisting Resilient Roots in establishing community gardens at Homeless Not Helpless residences; and help organize and teach workshops and Permablitzes (garden raising parties) and other educational events.
“I hope to pursue conservation biology and land conservation research in the future,” Kayleigh shared, detailing her interest in supporting land trusts in the future through research-based work. She is also excited to learn more about invasive plants and restoring the land to its original state through invasive plant management.
When she’s not supporting her local land trust, you can find Kayleigh hiking, spending time outdoors, and on the occasion she stays inside, she enjoys watercolor painting and playing the guitar.
We’re excited to welcome Kayleigh to the team and thank her for spending a term of service with us. We hope you’ll give her a warm (but socially distant) welcome if you see her out on the trails!