Meet our 2023 intern: Stefany Kaminski

I had an extremely wonderful and educational experience as the summer 2023 intern at the Land Conservancy of Adams County (LCAC). I got to experience many different areas within the organization, meet new people, and obtain a variety of life skills.

One big thing that I helped with was the yearly monitoring of land inspections. Basically, walking the properties and making sure that they’re upholding their conservation easements and following LCAC regulations. Besides giving me the chance to be physically active and get in many steps, the inspections were mentally challenging. I had the opportunity to learn more about conservation, preservation, and nature. Learning from the organization and the landowners, I gained a wealth of knowledge about the world we live in and the intricacies of preservation and conservation.

When I wasn’t out in the fields, I assisted with various other tasks in the office. I aided the communications team, helping with their photo contest to raise awareness for LCAC. I also helped with the annual Road Rally, mapping earlier routes and helping to write up directions for this year’s rally. More office related, I helped with inspection and federal forms for each land parcel that we surveyed. I also worked to construct documentation on a particular land parcel, conducting writing and research on its historical and conservationist background. Getting to dabble in many different areas of the organization and to work on multiple tasks was great, giving me an opportunity to see all of the different sides that go into the LCAC.

I particularly enjoyed getting to interact with a community that I otherwise wouldn’t have met. Meeting with landowners allowed me to see the drive in Adams County for land preservation and making sure the land stays open and beautiful. Getting to talk to everyone and see their passion for this organization and   its mission was powerful. It inspired me to become more passionate for something that I had never cognitively recognized as a pressing issue. I now understand the importance of conservation and preservation, and I have an even greater appreciation for nature and its inherent beauty. I loved walking on farms that I normally couldn’t access without this internship and seeing spectacular views from all vantage points within Adams County. My appreciation for the people and places around me has absolutely increased as a result of this experience.

Much more goes into an organization like this than I ever understood before this summer. Handling over 180 permanent conservation easements on privately owned parcels within the county is no easy task, yet Sarah and so many others do it seamlessly. Getting the opportunity to work with Sarah, Dave, Kathy, Erica, Betsy, and countless others made me see how much is needed from a team for an organization like this to succeed. I also got to see how important the LCAC is and the impact it has on the Adams County community.

Preserving land and ensuring that it remains in its natural state forever is very important to our environment and community. I grew up in an area that fell victim to the construction of too many developments and townhouses as the years went by. The Land Conservancy ensures that more than 180 parcels are spared that fate. Being a part of this conservation and support of the natural environment was a wonderful opportunity, and I am so grateful that it was how I spent the summer before my final year at Gettysburg College. Thank you to everyone who has preserved their land with LCAC and to the members of the organization for this learning opportunity!