Like many other “Islanders,” some of my earliest memories of the Norman Bird Sanctuary are of the excitement of the Harvest Fair—tackling the rope ladder above the mud pit or attempting to scale the grease pole. I also recall the adventure of hiking to the end of the Hanging Rock Trail and taking in the amazing ocean views.
After high school, I spent the next 30 years living in various places across the country—from Boston and Seattle to Guilford (CT) and Newport—building a sales career in the Outdoor Industry while raising a family with my wife, Juliette.
No matter where life took us, we always returned to the Norman Bird Sanctuary whenever we visited friends and family. It was our go-to place to recharge, offering a peaceful escape and stunning landscapes. During our time in Seattle, I volunteered on trail maintenance crews in the Cascade Mountains, and in Guilford, I worked with a local group building mountain bike trails. Giving back to the outdoors and helping maintain public access had always been important to me.
When we moved back to the Island full-time a few years ago, I felt a renewed connection to the Sanctuary. This time, I wasn’t just visiting to enjoy it—I wanted to contribute to the place that had given so much to me and my family. That’s when I discovered the Conservation Crew (aka “the Con Crew”), a dedicated group of volunteers who help maintain the Sanctuary’s trails, buildings, and grounds. It was the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the land and do something meaningful in my free time.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the Con Crew is the variety of projects we take on throughout the seasons. From re-planting beach grass to stabilize dunes at 3rd Beach and clearing invasives for what will become Rhode Island’s largest pollinator field to rebuilding the stairs at Hanging Rock and constructing a winter shelter for Hunter the Hawk—every week brings a new challenge and a different way to support the Sanctuary’s 300 acres.
Beyond the hands-on work, the camaraderie with fellow Con Crew members and NBS staff has been an extra bonus! Conversations often lead to fascinating insights about the Sanctuary’s unique geography, flora, fauna, and history, as well as entertaining stories about Island life.
If you enjoy working outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and being part of an organization that has provided a special experience for generations of Islanders and visitors alike, I highly recommend volunteering with the Conservation Crew. You’ll quickly find what you gain is far greater than what you give!
