Welcome, Summer Interns!

BTLT welcomes four interns to the team this summer. You’ll be seeing Alexis, Izzy, Alexei, and Kaia out on the trails, working in the Community Garden, and exploring with CREA Campers over the next few months. Please join us in welcoming them on board – we are so grateful to have their support, curiosity, and enthusiasm!

Alexis Martinez is originally from East Los Angeles, California. She is currently a junior at Bowdoin College right here in Brunswick studying Government and Environmental Studies. Alexis is most excited about being out on the trails and in the Garden but is looking forward to doing a little bit of everything! Outside of the BTLT, Alexis enjoys rock climbing, cooking, and Gelato Fiasco.

Izzy Afflerbach is joining us from McGill University in Montreal, where she is entering her junior year studying International Development and Anthropology. Unlike her urban experience at McGill, Izzy grew up spending lots of time in nature in rural New Hampshire and is thrilled to spend the summer in Maine, which she foresees quickly becoming her new favorite New England state. At BTLT, she has already spent time at the Tom Settlemire Community Garden, where she hopes to continue learning about the best– and sometimes conflicting– gardening techniques from passionate volunteers. She is also looking forward to working at CREA Camp and is excited to learn how BTLT creates fun, engaging activities for kids while applying its mission to connect the community to the natural world.

Alexei Douhovnikoff is a rising sophomore at Middlebury College. He hasn’t declared his major yet, but his favorite subjects are environmental studies, geography, and math. Alexei has lived in Brunswick his entire life, and has enjoyed BTLT properties through dog walking, hiking with family, and CREA Camp – all of which have been central to fostering his love of nature. This summer, he’s looking forward to trail maintenance and expanding his GIS map making skills – helping BTLT protect the trails that made his childhood in Brunswick feel so special. In his free time, he’s an avid hiker, rock climber, birder, and dog walker. When he’s not outside, he’s the Middlebury College trivia team captain, so if you see him around this summer, be sure to share any fun facts that you know!

Kaia Ganzell is a rising junior at Middlebury College studying Environmental Policy and Global Health with a specific focus in Environmental Health. Kaia has conducted research regarding lead in Vermont Public Schools and environmental contaminants due to leaching from ski waxes. Kaia grew up with a big garden with chickens and has always loved the outdoors. She is an avid climber, hiker, runner, and ultimate frisbee player, and will jump at any opportunity to spend time outside. She is super excited to join the BTLT team, especially putting in some hard work in the Community Garden and on the trails!