Our summer field crew plays a vital role in the conservation work done by the Black Swamp Conservancy. With over 1,600 acres of land managed by the Conservancy, our summer crew is critical to the success and management of our restored fields. As critical as our summer team is, the role of the summer field crew leader is not always an easy one to fill. Yet, this past summer AmeriCorps member, Meredith Holler, took the mantle with a practiced ease.
Meredith graduated from Bowling Green State University this past May with a bachelors in Environmental Science. Meredith’s passion in the environment is evident not only in her field of study, but also her dedication to the land, community and crew. As the field crew leader, Meredith’s role asked her to not excel in her technical skills as a land steward, but also demonstrate an ability to lead and support the field crew, which she did with ease. “She was always positive, approachable, and helped foster a collaborative and productive environment,” says Scarlet Rice, the Conservancy’s Land Steward and Meredith’s supervisor. “The success of the crew this summer was largely due to Meredith’s leadership, dedication, and ability to bring out the best in everyone around her.”
This past summer was Meredith’s second summer with the Conservancy. Her first summer saw her serve 450 hours out in the field, while her second summer doubled that time, clocking in at over 900 hours across 13 nature preserves.
Having served two summers, Meredith was in a unique position to see the impact of her work come to life. “I’ve really loved being able to witness the work we’ve done in real time. It was wonderful to be able to see the preserves that the field crew and I had worked on for an entire summer grow back the next summer so much healthier and with so much more biodiversity,” Meredith shared. “Forder Bridge in particular is one that I was really able to see that impact in and that was something really special and incredibly rewarding—even if it was a lot of hard work.”
Meredith’s time included a variety of stewardship activities, such as invasive plant management, trail maintenance, loading and hauling trailers, and constructing public use features for our preserves such as benches, picnic tables and signs. No matter the assignment, whether it was learning to use a jackhammer or taking the tractor out mowing on a solo assignment, Meredith met the task with enthusiasm—an enthusiasm was contagious amongst the crew and staff alike. Meredith’s joyful nature and dependability made her a vital part of the heart of the Conservancy this summer.
Meredith believes that her time at the Black Swamp Conservancy will have a lasting impact on her career journey. “I learned so much about conservation techniques, the importance of biodiversity, and restoration of ecosystems…I definitely learned a lot about the importance of community engagement and the significance of educating the public about the environment,” she said. “[My] experience prepared me for my current position as a naturalist aide for BG Parks and Rec. I gained a lot of experience in this field that has opened up numerous opportunities for professional growth and that’s something I’m really grateful for. I loved the work, I loved the people, and I loved the impact that I could make on local communities and environments.”
We are so excited to see the places Meredith will go! While the personal touches Meredith brought to our team will be sorely missed, we are so eager to see the path Meredith will create for herself. Well wishes from the entire team, Meredith. You will make an impact no matter where you go.
Interested in becoming part of the summer field crew for 2025? We’re accepting applications for the Field Crew Leader! Interviews begin Jan. 6th. Visit here to learn more!
