2013 Summer Interns
Ben Lyttle
Ben, OCT Land Stewardship Intern, is 22 years old, born and raised in Orleans. After 2 years at Cape Cod Community College, Ben transferred to Lesley University where he is currently a senior majoring in environmental science; he is on schedule to graduate in May of 2014. A passion for nature and an awareness of, and concern for, the precious resources taken for granted by many drew Ben to environmental science. The Orleans Conservation Trust (“OCT”) embodies much of what Ben believes in, inspiring him to pursue environmental education. In his summer internship position with the OCT he hopes to gain a further understanding about the place he grew up in with respect to the flora and fauna seen across Orleans. At the same time it will give him a better understanding of the processes involved in land conservation, further strengthening his ability to succeed as a professional within the field. Ben has noted “I never knew why I loved Orleans so much growing up as a kid, but today I realize all the preserved land helps to give this town so much character, and gave me so many opportunities. This internship is a great opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much already.”
Stephen O’Grady
Stephen is 19 years old and is in between his freshman and sophomore year at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He is pursuing an environmental studies degree with a focus on policy. Stephen grew up in North Andover, Massachusetts and has spent many summers in Orleans. He has always loved being outdoors, and he realized at an early age that he wanted to get into conservation work. He recognizes that without organizations like OCT and the associated land set aside for preservation, he would not have been able able to enjoy the outdoor opportunities he had growing up. Resultantly, he wants to build a career based on conservation work, specifically helping solve human wildlife conflicts and working on preserving critical wildlife habitats. Stephen is confident that his experience with OCT will go a long way towards giving him exposure to the real life problems that arise as human development jeopardizes the future of the environment. He hopes it will provide him with ways of navigating these problems that are beneficial for both the people involved and the natural world.