We are excited to introduce several talented staff members who joined the Preserve team or took on new roles this season. Each brings a unique blend of expertise and creativity to help us care for our lands and gardens. Join us in welcoming these exceptional individuals.
Some of our gardeners are taking on new roles as the summer begins. Ben Boegehold is now our Thuya Garden Manager and is excited to be at this historic garden and lodge. Ben worked at the Preserve’s McAlpin Farm last season after moving to Mount Desert Island from southern Maine. In addition to several years of experience at organic farms, Ben created and coordinated a school gardening program. As a former English teacher Ben brings both an interest in gardens and a desire to share information and inspiration with visitors. He is most excited about watching the seasons change at Thuya — one of the most beautiful places on earth, in his opinion. When he is not working, he can be found tending his own garden with his three-year-old daughter or exploring Maine’s rugged coast on foot and by sea kayak.
Having spent two seasons gardening at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Nicole Gurreri will bring her skills to Asticou Azalea Garden, where she is stepping into the role of Assistant Manager. Prior to her employment at the Preserve, Nicole worked in school and community gardens, a private estate, and local farms. The opportunity to work with woody plants, the long-lived trees and shrubs of the Asticou Azalea Garden, is of great interest to Nicole. As an avid outdoors person, who can be found trail-running, swimming, and kayaking on MDI, she is especially pleased to be working in a garden influenced by Acadia, Japan, and local ecology.
Also new to the Asticou Azalea Garden is Wyatt Davis. Wyatt studied horticulture through Oregon State University and has worked at the Stadler Nursery in Maryland, private estate gardens, a well-established florist, and most recently at Triple Chick Farm in Town Hill after moving to Down East Maine. He welcomes the opportunity to work in a public garden and to continue to see how book knowledge can be put into action.
We welcome new seasonal staff in our gardens this year. Erin Bobo, Astia Carrega, Clarisa Diaz, Jack Patterson, and Allyssa Prather. We are excited to have these talented people in the gardens and greenhouses.
The two new seasonal land stewards working with our natural lands team are Liam McCormick and Nathaniel Liu. Liam comes to us with an educational and work background in environmental science and forestry. He hails from update New York and has spent time in Wyoming working for the National Forest Service near Yellowstone National Park. Nathaniel is working with the Preserve through the Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program administered by Maine Coast Heritage Trust.
Joining the team of greeters and docents this summer are Rick Barter, Maureen Fournier, MaryAnne Hinckley, Jim Linnane, and Judy Rynkiewicz. They are ready to welcome visitors and share insights and information to make each visit special.
While visiting the Preserve, we hope you have a chance to talk with these engaging, knowledgeable, and dedicated staff members.
With all the exciting staff promotions this year, several year-round and seasonal positions are available. See all job opportunities on our website.