Nicole Corriveau has been serving with AmeriCorps at Stowe Land Trust since September 2023. As her second year-long term begins, we sat down to talk about her experience.
Tell me about yourself and how you landed at SLT.
I grew up in Vermont, playing in the woods. I think that’s foundational, just growing up outdoors and learning to appreciate nature. I went to the University of New England and graduated in 2022 with a degree in environmental science and climate change. I then had the opportunity to travel to Kenya and intern with a conservation organization there, then I worked in Florida researching songbirds. When that ended, I wanted to come back home.
Can you explain how AmeriCorps works?
My AmeriCorps program places members at various host sites through the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB). We receive a living stipend through AmeriCorps but serve at our nonprofit host sites. There are about 20 of us in the VHCB program, and more if you count the other AmeriCorps programs operating in Vermont.
What have you enjoyed most about your service with Stowe Land Trust?
I really like trail and stewardship related work. The first thing I dove into last fall was trail maintenance, which involved a lot of volunteer coordination. I also enjoy conservation easement monitoring. SLT is responsible for stewarding properties they own or have a conservation easement on, so I look for things like invasive species or walk the property boundary to locate pins. It’s really quite different from being out for a hike for exercise, where I just zoom by everything.
Has anything changed for you going from an academic setting into the field?
When I thought about forest management in school, I thought a hands-off approach was probably best. Getting to meet country foresters and land managers, I’ve heard a lot of conversations regarding forest management. They’re all like, “Hey, you have to get out there and actively learn about your property.” I think that’s super important since 78% of Vermont forests are privately owned. There’s a lot that private landowners can do–whether that’s learning about invasive species, building trails, or exploring forest management. There was an expert talking about forestry for birds at a training in Shutesville Hill Wildlife Corridor, so that was kind of a blending of my worlds.
What do you want people to know about Stowe Land Trust?
Our work is really boosted and upheld by donors and volunteers. Whether it’s a group that gets a riparian area planted or the individuals who are stewarding the trails regularly, it’s so important. A lot of what people see is public fundraising to protect a parcel, but after the ribbon cutting is when the bulk of the stewardship work begins. SLT is responsible for stewarding the land forever–that can sometimes go under the radar.
What are you excited about in year two at SLT?
I can’t wait to get more involved with our amazing volunteers, ensuring they’re engaged and enjoying their time. I’m also looking forward to continuing visits to SLT-conserved lands to confirm they’re being properly maintained. Upgrading the Kirchner Woods network for adaptive mountain bike use is something I’m especially pumped about—it’s going to make the outdoors more accessible and fun for everyone. Overall, I’m stoked to keep making a difference, learn new things, and be part of a team that’s all about protecting and enjoying our natural spaces.
Is there anything else we should know?
Anyone can steward the land! The first step is just getting out there.