Since its inception in 1974, the Mattapoisett Land trust has always been an all-volunteer organization. Focused entirely on preserving natural resources and wildlife areas, the MLT has performed its mission so effectively – with almost 900 acres now protected – that it became evident more help was needed. Enter Colleen Andrews, a Quincy native, who this month has become the MLT’s first and sole employee.
The experience and qualifications Colleen brings to her role as Community Engagement and Stewardship Manager was an almost seamless match with the advertised job description, according to MLT President Mike Huguenin. “There were a lot of applicants for the position, but Colleen really stood out,” he said. “We are very pleased to welcome Colleen to join our work.”
A 2018 graduate with a BS in Biology from Westfield State, which included a semester in New Zealand, Colleen comes to Mattapoisett from her previous position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Cortland, New York. Prior to that, she also had a spell in Florida in Everglades National Park, monitoring the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow and has worked on Cape Cod’s National Seashore monitoring endangered shorebirds. During the lengthy COVID lockdown, Colleen made good use of her time by obtaining a graduate certificate in wildlife management, online, from Oregon State University.
While adept with managing the social media aspects of her role, it was the opportunity to spend time outdoors that was a big attraction, she said. “I get restless if I’m inside too long,” she said. “Mattapoisett is a beautiful place, and I’m definitely excited to get outside and get my hands dirty.“ Please join MLT in welcoming Colleen to Mattapoisett.