Reflections From a River Steward: End of a Season

In this seasonal River Steward position, I have had the opportunity to do different types of work, learned many useful skills, and seen Vermont from a new perspective. This job has given me a deeper understanding of our rivers, public access sites, and the communities connected to them, and it will definitely influence how I explore and care for these places in the future.

First, I have completed many on-the-ground stewardship tasks that directly improve public access and river health. I have done site monitoring at multiple public access points, checking conditions and making sure they remain safe and welcoming for visitors. I have trimmed vegetation to keep paths and sites open, installed signage and kiosks to help people navigate and understand the area, and cleaned up debris where needed. One of my main projects was working on the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail, where I added new signage, improved online information, and did site maintenance. These efforts make the trail easier to use for paddlers and help protect the natural environment at each stop.

Second, this position has allowed me to explore Vermont in a way I never had before. I have been to places I had never visited and also to places I had been before but now experienced from a completely different point of view, from the perspective of someone caring for and improving them. I have learned about new public access sites that I now visit on my own time and will continue to enjoy in the future. Seeing Vermont through this stewardship lens has deepened my appreciation for the state’s rivers and the communities around them.

The most meaningful part of this experience for me is the combination of hands-on work and exploration. Installing a sign or clearing a trail may seem like a small task, but knowing that it helps paddlers find their way, makes a site safer, or reduces environmental impact gives each action a sense of purpose. I have also enjoyed the variety and lack of routine in this job. One day might mean traveling to a new corner of the state for site monitoring, while another is focused on updating digital resources so that paddlers have accurate information before they even get to the river.

Looking ahead, I plan to keep visiting and enjoying the places I’ve discovered during this position. I will also carry forward the skills I’ve learned; from practical maintenance work to thinking about how signage, access, and information shape the way people interact with natural spaces. I am very appreciative that I had this opportunity to work outdoors, meet new people, and see the state’s rivers in such a direct and connected way.