Ashley McCoy’s Farewell to Friends of the Fells

The Cascade. Photo by Ashley McCoy.

by Ashley McCoy

It is unbelievable how quickly my two years as Land Stewardship Coordinator (LSC) have passed. When I started as a TerraCorps member with Friends of the Fells (FOF), I had just graduated from college, and I was not sure what I wanted to do next, I just knew that I would like to be outside. Over the past two years, I have spent more time outside than I could have ever guessed.

I feel incredibly lucky to have spent so much time in the Fells. I walk the trails no longer afraid of getting lost. I now welcome the hikes knowing that I can find my way back. The trails and the plants that call them home are more familiar to me now than when I started. From the bench overlooking Long Pond to the view from Wright’s Tower to the beautiful falls of the Cascade, I feel comfortable in this forest. I have learned to look for the beautiful spring ephemerals like bloodroot and trout lily, the fragrant scent of sweet pepperbush, and the tiny toads that make their way across the trails in the spring.

Ashley created a project that enables the public to help us monitor work on invasive plants in the Fells.

My time with FOF has been nothing short of amazing. I have worked with Trail Adopters while running orientations, led invasive plant removal volunteer days, and developed and guided educational hikes. Through these programs I have had the opportunity to develop skills including volunteer management, public speaking, environmental education, fieldwork skills, and more.

I want to thank the FOF staff and board for being so supportive. Thank you to Maddie Morgan, who has been my supervisor for the past two years, for your guidance and advice. Thank you to the TerraCorps program, staff, and members for your leadership, community, and encouragement. I also want to thank the entire Fells community for being so welcoming, and for sharing your love and passion for the Fells with me.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who have come out to remove invasive plants and take care of the trails. Your hard work and dedication has made an enormous impact, and I have enjoyed getting to work with all of you. A final thank you to the Fells DCR staff. Your help and guidance has made running volunteer events so seamless.

Ashley participates in the maple syrup program with long-time hike leader Boot Boutwell.

Goodbyes are always bittersweet. I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have had through FOF and TerraCorps. But I am so excited for the next TerraCorps member to experience the amazing Fells community!

While I am ending my time as LSC, I plan to keep hiking in the Fells. I hope to see you out on the trails!