A Season of Change

By Emily Stinneford, Communications & Operations Coordinator

For myself and my colleagues, fall is a busy season - a time of hard work, major growth, and the celebration of our efforts. This autumn also marks the beginning of my new role at KELT!  

Diggin’ clams!

I am joining the team as the Communications and Operations Coordinator, though I am not entirely new to the scene. You may have met me this summer, in my role as the Program Steward. I assisted with KELT Kids Camp, Art Van, Clam Day, Stewardship Wednesdays, LOCAL Garden workdays and other exciting initiatives. I have also been behind many of the emails, newsletters, blogs and social media posts you may have seen.

I am delighted to be rejoining this community full time, and am thrilled to become your translator, guide, and storyteller for the expansive work KELT does in this stunning region of Maine.

It is truly my passion to connect environmental stewardship with broader public engagement. I have taught both children and adults through nature based education in academic settings (public schools, universities) as well as grassroots efforts. I have worked as an editor for an academic journal centered on food justice, and was a lead organizer for my local community garden. Additionally, I have conducted anthropological research on a variety of environmental justice topics, focused on community building and the power of knowledge dissemination. 

2024 Summer crew.

“I am delighted to be rejoining this community full time, and am thrilled to become your translator, guide, and storyteller for the expansive work KELT does in this stunning region of Maine.”

A Season of change

On a recent hike through Green Point Preserve, I was feeling rather reflective about this new opportunity…

I imagined the trail as emblematic of the path I am embarking on, the metaphorical journey becoming a tangible one - lined with spruce trees, littered with pine needles and fallen leaves. 

I find it so important in the face of change, to go outside and be reminded of what I am a part of. The trees that were once lush with green are now aflame, and soon they will be bare. In a few months their branches will be weighed down with snow. A few months after that, they will be blooming once again. 

Our lives can also be mapped in seasons and I find great comfort in this. As a chapter of my life closes behind me, I am so grateful and excited to begin this adventure with you all. 

Here’s to change! If you, like me, sometimes forget this - go outside!

Looking up at Green Point.