The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is pleased to introduce its 2025 interns. Our paid seasonal interns split up into two crews — a roving crew that covers projects across the Northeast, and a dedicated Allagash crew in Maine. These interns are a critical part of our stewardship team, assisting with project work, volunteer engagement and community relations. To learn more, contact NFCT Assistant Trail Director Alex Delhagen at alex@northernforestcanoetrail.org.
Allagash Crew
Tana McLean, Raleigh, NC: Tana grew up as one of seven siblings in a hectic household, and nature quickly became her refuge, leading her to pursue a degree in natural resources policy and administration, with a minor in environmental science, at NC State University. She spent three years working as an environmental inpsector for an erosion control company while also returning to school to earn a master’s of science in sustainability and environment at UNC Greensboro, where she’ll graduate this month. Over the last year, she’s worked with the Eno River Association in Durham, leading volunteer events and conducting ecological monitoring. She’s also contributed to grant writing and research as a graduate assistant at UNCG. Outside of work and school, Tana enjoys hiking, camping, reading, knitting and anything that gets her outdoors. Tana is excited to join the Northern Forest Canoe Trail this summer and we’re excited to have her!
Brett Karpf, New York City: Brett is a rising senior at Bates College in Maine. Brett has just returned from a spring semester abroad in Rabat, Morocco. He’s a lover of trees, books and older music — mostly jazz and rock. His favorite tree is the eastern white pine, or maybe the paper birch; they’re both pretty in Brett’s eyes. Brett is from New York City, but has spent tons of time in Maine’s woods, especially in the Allagash/Baxter region. He’s super excited to work with the NFCT this summer, meet all the awesome volunteers, and get his J stroke back up to par. Glad to have you on board, Brett!
Bryn Tiernan, Bainbridge Island, WA: Bryn is currently finishing up her junior year at Kenyon College in Ohio, where she’s double majoring in environmental studies and sociology. At Kenyon, Bryn is a member of the varsity swim and dive team. Living and studying in rural Ohio has given Bryn opportunities to connect with the surrounding farming community and work with small farms around their properties on various tasks. Bryn grew up paddleboarding, swimming, fishing and hiking, and has a strong interest in agriculture and conservation. She’s looking forward to an engaging summer filled with outdoor work and opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways. Thanks for joining our team, Bryn!
Roving Crew
Isla Chadsey, Seattle, WA: Isla is a rising junior at Cornell University where she studies agriculture and food systems. She enjoys working at the student-run grocery store on campus, adventuring outdoors in any manner, and having dinner parties with friends. Coming from Seattle, she’s looking forward to spending her first summer in the Northeast, exploring the canoe trail and listening to loons call on the lake. Isla is excited to learn new skills, engage with the NFCT community, develop leadership on Waterway Work Trips & and contribute to a joyful and impactful crew. Please join us in welcoming Isla and say hi if you see her on the trail!
Nathan Lennard, Bethlehem, NY: Nathan attends Binghamton University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in history and is currently working toward his graduate degree in the Sustainable Communities program. Nate is passionate about building community and volunteering/helping where he can, both for local events and other projects. He plays the bass and the bongos, and has some experience with synthesizers and other unconventional instruments. Two of his favorite hobbies are running and yoga and he loves to push himself physically. Nate is most looking forward to seeing all of the communities along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and working with all of the volunteers this season. He’s also super excited to see more of the Northeast’s wilderness and to hone his construction skills on trail projects. Nate’s looking forward to meeting everyone that’s part of our NFCT community and excited to get to work. Glad to have you on the team, Nate!
Lillian Caldwell, Waitsfield, VT: Lillian comes to us from Waitsfield — home of the NFCT’s headquarters — and is currently attending the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She’s majoring in geography, with an emphasis on the environment and sustainability, and hoping to minor in GIS. Outside of school, she loves mountain biking (and all things bike-related), skiing, painting, reading, running, plants and maps. Lillian grew up playing in the rivers and lakes of New England and is thrilled to continue exploring these waterways this summer. She is excited to be a part of the NFCT team and can’t wait to meet more of the community!
