Get to know our Stewardship Director, Hanae Garrison

Next up in our blog post series interviewing the people behind Royal River Conservation Trust’s full-time employees is our Stewardship Director, Hanae Garrison!

Hanae joined RRCT in November 2023 and leads the long-term stewardship of RRCT’s 17 fee-owned preserves and more than 25 miles of trails. They monitor RRCT’s 63 conservation easements each year and coordinate our volunteer stewardship efforts, including Trail Crew, the Trail Steward Program, and the Stewardship Committee.

What does your everyday schedule look like?

Everyday is different, and my work varies with the seasons. The one constant is leading our volunteer Trail Crew, every Wednesday morning from 9-11 am, year-round. 

Other days, you might find me wandering around in the woods monitoring conservation easements, weed-whacking trails, updating signage, making maps, or catching up on emails. When we have events, it’s all hands on deck as there’s a lot of preparation and planning involved. 

As one of the more tech-savvy staff members, I also design our newsletters and manage RRCT’s social media accounts (follow us on Facebook and Instagram), posting about recent paddle outings, making trail work reels or showing off our beautiful preserves. There’s always something new that comes up and keeps me busy, whether it’s tracking down a missing peacock or figuring out what’s wrong with our chainsaw. 

‍Favorite part of the job?

Getting paid to work outside, yank up invasive plants, build sustainable trails, and work alongside staff, volunteers, and community members who are just as passionate about this work.

I get to watch a beloved 2-mile trail come into existence from a landowner’s vision, to flagging the route on the ground, to constructing bridges, to finally opening the trail to the public. It feels good to leave a positive impact on the environment and the community that comes to cherish it. 

What did you study and how were you inspired to work at a land trust?

I attended Oberlin College and received a degree in Environmental Studies. I didn’t know that working at a land trust was an option until moving to Maine. Land trusts in Maine are responsible for conserving nearly 3 million acres of land, close to 15% of the state! I love that land trusts can bring people together around a shared appreciation for conserved land, waters, trails, and the outdoors. 

What were you doing before working for RRCT?

I was a project manager at Maine Environmental Laboratory, a small environmental testing lab that processed water, soil, and sludge samples out of an old grist mill building overlooking the First Falls (officially Pumgustuk) of the Royal River in Yarmouth.

What’s your experience in the industry?

After graduating from Oberlin, I fell in love with fieldwork as an Ecology Field Technician at Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park. I got quite familiar with Maine’s native and invasive plants and got a look into the non-profit sector and working with the National Park Service. Next, I was an Environmental Steward with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, helping run the Maine Healthy Beaches Program, which monitors the water quality of public swim beaches from Kittery to Mount Desert Island. 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the suburbs of Maplewood, New Jersey, a short train ride from New York City. Safe to say, I’m very happy to be living and working in Maine and don’t plan to move back anytime soon!

What is your favorite RRCT property?

It’s hard to choose a favorite, but I have a soft spot for the River Elf Trail in New Gloucester, the 2-mile trail I played a key role in making happen. The loop trail meanders through beautiful open fields into shaded woods, passing with old stone walls and rolling terrain before leading to a scenic stretch of the Royal River. Definitely worth a visit! 

Favorite native plant/animal sighted on an RRCT property?

This past spring, I was excited to find a wood turtle on the banks of the Royal River! Wood turtles are one of Maine’s rarest turtles and are a species of “Special Concern,” facing threats from illegal pet trade and habitat destruction. They prefer slow-moving streams or rivers with sandy bottoms and can live up to 40 years in the wild!

I also love spotting fleeting spring ephemerals like pink lady slippers, trilliums, and trout lilies. 

After the 9-5, what does your 5-9 look like? Weekends?

In my free time I love to collage. I’ll cut up vintage National Geographic and LIFE magazines, piecing together images to create surreal, whimsical scenes. I sell prints of my collages and nature-inspired jewelry at local markets in Portland and online on my Etsy shop. You can follow me on Instagram @pause.for.collage.

I also enjoy rock climbing, hiking, biking, spending time with my partner, and socking in the sun with my cat. 

Favorite spot in Yarmouth/ the Royal River watershed?

Swimming at one of the serene, secluded beaches at Littlejohn Island Preserve in Yarmouth. 

Rivers, Mountains, or Ocean?

I feel inclined to say rivers, but the ocean has my heart. 

In five words, why RRCT?

Community, conservation, & volunteers are incredible!