Hello! My name is Tessa, and I’m excited to share my LRCT journey with you. Alongside me is my coworker and close friend, Shea, who has been an incredible partner throughout this season. Together, we’ve had the privilege of working with LRCT on various projects that have enriched our experience and deepened our love for the natural world.
As we wrap up our last few days as LRCT’s 2025 Conservation Land Stewards, we find ourselves at the main office gazing out of the window at one of our favorite properties, the Red Hill Conservation Area. We are both immensely appreciative of LRCT for making this season possible, especially after the unfortunate defunding of AmeriCorps earlier this year. This opportunity has allowed us to continue our work in conservation and community engagement, providing invaluable experiences we will carry with us into the future.
Trail maintenance has been a significant focus during our time with the LRCT, allowing us to engage deeply with the environment. I’ve experienced some truly breathtaking properties, each with its own unique character and beauty. However, working in nature also means encountering its less glamorous inhabitants—the bugs! Despite their presence, I’ve grown to appreciate their role in the ecosystem.
My favorite day was undoubtedly the BRATTS (Belknap Range Trail Tenders) volunteer event in the Belknaps, where I met an array of incredible people. The adventure of taking the ski lift at Gunstock Mountain while balancing multiple rock bars was a hilarious and unforgettable experience. Another memorable day was building a stone staircase on the Lower Bridle Path at the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area, which stood out as a testament to the Granite State’s abundance of natural resources. There’s truly no shortage of rocks! Additionally, collaborating with longtime devoted volunteers, Dana Simpson and Bernie Volz, on the reconstruction of the lower bridge on the Faraway Mountain Trail at the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area created lasting memories and deepened my appreciation for teamwork. We had a blast working with them!
The guided excursions we participated in were equally enriching. Wilderness tracking led by Ben Wymer opened our eyes to the subtle signs of wildlife and the intricacies of nature. The days spent paddling to Stonedam Island with Rick Van de Poll and hiking the Rattlesnake Island Preserve Trail were filled with laughter and learning. Matt Morris’s insights on forest health were invaluable, and birding with Rhys Bowen was a highlight of our experience. We were truly honored to have met Rhys and learn from his incredibly educated and passionate self; his enthusiasm for birds and nature inspired us all.
We want to give a special thank you to the LRCT team for making this experience so special for us and for helping us grow professionally and personally.
Thank you!
-The 2025 LRCT Conservation Land Stewards, Tessa Bevilacqua & Shea Kelley