We’re thrilled to introduce you to Abigail Edenfield, PRLT’s brand new Environmental Steward from Maine Conservation Corps! MCC’s Environmental Stewards are spread across the state helping with a variety of conservation projects, from writing land management plans and conducting field research to providing interpretive programs and completing trail projects. Abigail will be with us for 900 hours starting this May and will be working on trail maintenance and invasive plant removal.
Abigail is originally from Tennessee. She started her college studies there at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, then transferred to Arizona State University and (“after many years of indecisiveness”) obtained a Bachelor’s in Biology: Conservation and Ecology with a minor in English. After graduating, she interned with the U.S. Forest Service in South Carolina as a wildland firefighter and found her passion for the outdoors and fire ecology. She then worked with a Yale PhD student to study the effects of fire on the Southeast’s ecology, solidifying her love for prescribed burning and research.
How did she find her way to Maine? “I knew I was done living in the south, so my partner and I made the decision to move to the exact opposite: Maine. I knew I would love it as someone who could eat seafood everyday and loves access to mountains and beaches. Since being here, I have created an amazing community and I am so excited to see it flourish with my time at PRLT!”
Get to know Abigail with us:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up primarily in Northern Tennessee! I spent a lot of my life in water, ranging from oceans, lakes and rivers (I would get swimmer’s ear every summer). Other than that, my family was not the outdoorsy type. I grew up as a ballerina, so I had very limited off time.
What’s your favorite PRLT property?
My favorite PRLT property so far is Mill Brook Preserve, but I am excited to see the new trails we are constructing in the Gorham Community Forest.
What’s your favorite way to get outside?
I love backcountry camping (especially cowboy camping). I do love doing any activity outside, from hiking and yoga to painting or reading.
How else do you spend your time outside of work?
I have started indoor bouldering with hopes of transitioning outside soon! I love reading. My favorite book is “All About Love” by bell hooks. I love cooking, so I host a lot of dinner parties.
Quick! What’s your favorite…
Mountain – Mount Washington. I didn’t get my picture at the summit, but I did touch it briefly between tourists' photos.
River – Chattooga River (South Carolina). I spent a lot of time here doing “river patrol” for an internship: it was mainly just having fun kayaking down white water rapids and occasionally telling people they can’t swim in specific spots.
Craft project – Knitting. I actually just finished my first vest and I have worn it almost everyday.
Podcast – The Rest is History. I am not much of a podcast person because I want to give my input in the conversation. This podcast is told from two historians who cover every part of history, and they are bound to have an episode on any niche!
Poet – Sylvia Plath. I am also not really into poetry, but Plath was one of the only poets I read in college that felt very authentic and had a specific voice.
Travel destination – Ireland. I love Ireland. I love the people, the cliffs, some of the food. Within the U.S., it is a competition between Wyoming and Hawaii.
Coffee shop – Smalls in Portland. I am there almost every day. Favorite matcha in Portland!
Musician – DIIV or Blood Orange (depending on the day).
In one sentence, why PRLT?
I want to help my community through research and accessibility to the outdoors!
How do we reach you?
abigail@prlt.org