No Two Days the Same: Interning with BTLT

An internship with Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (BTLT) is never boring. As one intern put it, “No two days looked the same.” From pulling weeds in the garden to exploring new trails, summer interns gain hands-on experience while discovering their own passions.

Our goal is to immerse interns in every aspect of BTLT’s work—whether that’s supporting camp counselors at CREA Camp, helping volunteers in the Common Good Garden, maintaining trails, or pitching in at the office. Along the way, interns pursue their own interests and projects, making the experience as personal as it is practical.

This past summer, three incredible interns brought their talents and curiosity to the Land Trust:

Raam Melvani, a junior at Bowdoin College majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies, joined us through Bowdoin’s Kappa Psi Upsilon Maine-Based Environmental Fellowship. Having grown up in New York City, Raam was eager to spend the summer outside in Maine. He dove into organic farming and regenerative agriculture, often striking up conversations with farmers and gardeners about their deep connections to the land.

Lena Vallejo, a Political Science major at McGill University, spent her summer in Maine instead of heading home to California. She quickly found a home at the Tom Settlemire Community Garden, where she relished tending plants and caring for her own small plot. With a background helping her grandparents in the garden, Lena embraced the hard work of weeding and watering, and we are especially grateful for the many hours she devoted to the Common Good Garden.

Julia Werner, a Portland native and Bowdoin College student, was the Richard G. Rockefeller Intern. She worked closely with Stewardship Manager Sam Thomason to maintain BTLT properties. Highlights included building a new trail along the Cathance River, hauling out truckloads of trash, and constructing a kiosk at a new parking area. While stewardship was her focus, Julia also joined in at CREA Camp, the Community Garden, and the Farmers Market.

Of course, no internship is complete without what our interns jokingly called “character-building activities:” early mornings, shoveling woodchips, working in the rain, weed whacking trails, and answering countless camper questions. These challenges, though tough, often became some of the most meaningful lessons.

Field trips rounded out their summer experience, gaining the opportunity to learn about other local nonprofits and businesses. Alongside BTLT staff, these three interns got to explore local farms, volunteered at Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, and learned about oyster farming firsthand on Maquoit Bay with Mere Point Oyster Company. And yes, there were also well-deserved swims at Woodward Point.

For a small organization like BTLT, summer interns are invaluable. They increase our capacity while bringing fresh ideas, energy, and perspectives. In turn, interns gain practical skills, lasting memories, and a deeper connection to the local landscape.

Thank you Raam, Lena, and Julia!