Corps Corner: Kirby’s First Month and Prescribed Burn

Kirby had an exciting first month getting accustomed to their daily office operations and attending a variety of Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps events!

I had a busy, exciting first month serving as Programs Assistant for Scenic Rivers through the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps program. The Corps connects young adults entering Maryland’s environmental field with host organizations, providing emerging professionals with hands-on experience while supporting established organizations with an engaged team member. While I spend most of my time with Scenic Rivers, the Corps program also offers professional development training, structure throughout the year-long position, and opportunities to visit and learn from environmental organizations across the state.

Throughout my first month, I settled into daily work in the office, attended a Department of Services and Civic Innovation orientation, and participated in a workday with The Nature Conservancy, where we stewarded endangered habitat at Camp Conowingo. Josh Falk, Executive Director and my mentor for the year, has guided me through the development of an independent workplan that allows me to build on my strengths, develop new skills, and serve Scenic Rivers’ mission.

I will primarily be assisting with communication and planning for events, including our upcoming Healthy Forests invasive removal workdays and Feast on the Farm, our annual conservation celebration. For example, I presented on beech leaf disease at our annual Volunteer Land Stewards Training to teach our stewards how to identify diseased trees during their monitoring visits. I am also fleshing out several independent projects focused on engaging communities that benefit from our easements, informing our growing GroundWork program, and organizing shared resources. I will continue to post blog updates on these projects in future posts!

So far, I have attended several memorable Corps events, including the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) orientation. The Corps is collaborating with the DSCI’s Service Year Option Program, which provides additional networking opportunities and professional development training. Established by Governor Wes Moore in 2023 through the SERVE Act, the DSCI works to promote volunteerism and service opportunities. I had the opportunity to hear from speakers such as Acting Secretary Johnny Dorsey and Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, who delivered inspiring remarks about the value of service. This event helped me connect with fellow service members and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s mission.

My favorite excursion of the month was a site visit with The Nature Conservancy, where I worked alongside other Corps members to prepare endangered habitat on the Maryland-Peninsula border for a prescribed burn. The Serpentine Barrens contain some of the last major remnants of serpentine grasslands in eastern North America. The grasslands grow atop light-green bedrock (serpentine) that contains high levels of nickel, chromium, and other metals that are toxic to most plants and animals. As a result, the area supports rare and endangered species that adapted to the environment over thousands of years. Indigenous Americans sustained this habitat for centuries through their controlled burns, in which they would use fire to attract large animals grazing on grassland. Unfortunately, as European settlement developed, the grasslands disappeared. Today, prescribed burns help preserve what remains. Our team used power tools to create a firebreak around the grassland, helping ensure the burn stays within the target area. I enjoyed learning about the habitat, spending time outside with other Corps members, and getting some practice operating a lawn mower!

As I look ahead to the rest of my service year, I am excited to continue learning from Scenic Rivers staff, Corps members, and community partners across Maryland. My first month has already provided a wide range of experiences, from habitat stewardship and volunteer training to event planning and professional development. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts in the region and look forward to sharing more about my projects and experiences in the months ahead.