This year, Blue Hill Heritage Trust welcomed three wonderful interns for the summer season: James W. Dow interns Eleanor Cowan and Lydia Sullivan, and Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation intern Emilie “Casey” Casey. Each one of them brought intelligence, curiosity, humor, and a real willingness to jump in wherever they were needed.
They worked behind the scenes at development events, created and led their own public outreach programs, and spent countless hours getting their hands dirty while working on various stewardship projects. They asked good questions, tried new things, took initiative, and brought fresh energy to everything they did.
And somewhere along the way, they became a more than a team — they became friends. Watching them work together, laugh together, and support one another was one of the best parts of the summer.
Their last day with us was Friday, August 14. We asked them to share some thoughts about their overall experience, which you can read below. We’re incredibly grateful for all they contributed to our organization, the land, and the communities we serve. We will miss them very much, but we’re excited to see where their curiosity and creativity take them next!
Eleanor Cowan:
The James W. Dow internship program has been an amazing experience providing a broad range of learning opportunities and new experiences. From planning our own outreach events, to being involved with climate resilient forestry practices at Surry Forest, and even learning how to build a bridge at Patten Stream, I have been able to engage in all facets of land trust work. The staff at BHHT is extraordinarily knowledgeable and welcoming. Working with these passionate people has allowed me to further develop my career goals as I have seen first hand the wonderful work that this team can accomplish.
However, by far my favorite part of the summer has been interacting with the wonderful community that supports the trust. It is amazing to see the ways in which land conservation efforts bring people together. It has become increasingly clear to me that to care for the land is to care for the community and to be a part of that this summer has been so rewarding. Through all these experiences I have gained knowledge about the Maine environment and confidence in new technical skills. It is my hope to find my way back to community based land conservation work once I graduate college. I could not be more grateful for my time spent on the Blue Hill Peninsula and the connections I have made this summer!
Lydia Sullivan:
The James W. Dow internship program has been a transformative experience in countless ways. What stands out the most in the diversity of work we do. We have gained a well-rounded experience through stepping into a wide range of responsibilities and tasks. It is a balance of hands-on land stewardship and community connection.
From physical trail work, to planning and executing our own educational outreach events. It has really provided a full-picture view on local conservation in action and all the different aspects of a land trust. Above all, it is the people here who make this place and experience so special. Working alongside the dedicated staff at BHHT and the community members have made this experience all the more enjoyable and fulfilling. It has shown me how much conservation is a collective effort, deeply rooted in shared love for the natural environment. At the end of this internship, I will leave with practical field skills, lasting connections, and a profound appreciation for the Blue Hill Peninsula.
Emilie “Casey” Casey:
My summer as a Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation intern at Blue Hill Heritage Trust has absolutely set me on a path of a lifetime of stewardship. When I started, I didn’t even know how much I didn’t know. All I was hoping for was a summer of growth, and I got far more than I could’ve imagined. The community at Blue Hill is so dedicated to their land, and I am so privileged to have met such a fascinating and wonderful community. Learning the intricacies of Maine’s ecosystems, understanding what threatens it and how I can help, and banding together to restore and support the land has taught me so much about what it means to be a part of the outdoors, not merely a visitor.
Being surrounded by intelligent and hard working people has shown me the power of a couple sets of hands helping to take care of our land. I feel so grateful for everyone I’ve met through BHHT and all the wisdom they’ve shared. The staff here at the trust runs like a well oiled machine, each person giving what they can according to their strengths and coming together to make a huge impact. Working with my fellow interns, Lydia and Eleanor, has been so wildly fun. They each are so knowledgeable about their field of interest, and I feel so lucky to not only learn from them but laugh with them too. This summer has been filled with memories that I will keep with me for life. Getting to go outside and do the hard work with Ella, Emily and Andrew has taught me so much about what it means to be a steward. After spending hours maintaining a trail (or weeks building a bridge), it’s hard to describe the feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes from stepping back and seeing how our work has transformed the land. Talking with Megan, Brooke, Harlie, and George about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything afloat has been eye opening, and has sparked my interest in environmental law and land acquisition. We all know and love the wonderful trails, but there’s a quiet reverence for the land we leave untouched, conserved for the native plants and animals to thrive in. There’s so many facets of land trusts, yet each part contributes to our responsibility for the land we live on.
The opportunities to learn and use new tools have been invaluable, and the physical and mental strength I’ve gained will always stay with me. This internship inspired me to keep working in this field and do my part, and I’m so excited to see where this experience takes me. Thank you, Blue Hill!
Click HERE to learn more about Blue Hill Heritage Trust’s James W. Dow Internship Program. BHHT aims to fund two or more positions each year.
Click HERE to learn more about Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program. BHHT was selected to host one intern from this program in 2026.