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Chances are good that recent visitors to UVLT’s two Food Pantry Gardens have met Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hastings, our new Community Engagement Coordinator. Engaging volunteers and managing UVLT’s community impact programs, including the gardens and our firewood assistance program, are among the primary responsibilities of this important position.
“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Upper Valley Land Trust’s mission of land conservation through collaboration within our community,” says Lizzie. The Grantham, NH, native traces their love of the outdoors and nature to childhood explorations of historical family farmland.
“I found my love of the outdoors and nature through access to the outdoors around my home and a primary education that emphasized the importance of hands-on learning,” says Lizzie. “School helped me realize I wanted to help people connect to the land, not only to protect nature, but also to foster the same kind of connections and love that I had as a kid.”
At Plymouth State University, Lizzie earned a BS in environmental science and policy, summa cum laude, designed and facilitated volunteer programs as a community impact ambassador, and worked as a research assistant in the university’s environmental lab.
Their experience includes serving as a nature counselor at the Montshire Museum of Science and as an education and outreach intern with the Newfound Lake Region Association, developing and organizing educational programming. Lizzie has a solid foundation in leading nature-based educational programs suited for diverse age groups, gained through certifications in Project Learning Tree, Project Wild, and Project Aquatic.
When not at the gardens or partnering with volunteers, Lizzie may be out monitoring UVLT’s conserved land and contributing to outdoor events and educational programs. Be sure to say hello and welcome Lizzie!
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