Over the past 40 years, the University of Vermont has acquired ten diverse Natural Areas that offer a number of attributes that continue to enhance students’ learning experience, improve health of the surrounding community, and give refuge to an array of flora and fauna. In the summer of 2015, Adam Heckle (NR ’16) was chosen as part of the Rubenstein School Perennial Internship Program to represent the integrity of UVM’s Natural Areas as a land steward, under the direction of UVM Natural Areas Manager Richard Paradis, lecturer in the UVM Environmental Studies Program.              

Adam’s responsibilities consisted of regular trail-system monitoring and maintenance that included fixing signs, clearing blow-downs, pruning vegetation, cleaning up litter, blocking stray trails, and fixing anything out of place or in need of repair. He often engaged with the public and answered questions, gave advice, and informed people about Natural Area rules. Every day required quick problem solving, time-management, and self-organization, and filled Adam with a burning interest in finding new projects to tackle, as priorities had a tendency to change without notice.

During the summer Adam joined other affiliates and organizations such as The North Branch Nature Center, the Green Mountain Club, and UVM’s Jericho Research Forest, which gave him an insider’s perspective on how natural areas are managed day by day. Some large-scale projects included vegetation removal at Redstone Quarry Natural Area, fixing boardwalks at Centennial Woods Natural Area, and building new trails in the Carse Wetland Natural Area. With the help of volunteers, including Beth Bannar (RSENR '18), Monique Bogue (CEMS ‘19), and Catherine Hinojosa (CAS ’12), Adam was able to build sixteen boardwalks at the Carse Wetland and two at Pease Mountain Natural Area. Over the course of the entire summer, Adam utilized more than a thousand board-feet of wood within the trail systems. 

Adam is continuing his work in the UVM Natural Areas into the school year under a work-study grant, now joined by fellow student Ian LaPoint (CALS-ENVS ’16). On top of these efforts, he will continue to expand his knowledge, strengthen his community, and gain experience in land management conservation.