For over a decade, Mt. Adams Institute has been dedicated to connecting people to public lands through education, service, and career development. Our programs—VetsWork Land Stewards and Sense of Place—have empowered Veterans, young adults, and communities to serve, learn, and grow while caring for our nation`s public lands.

However, federal budget cuts have placed this mission at risk.

What This Means for MAI:

🌲 60% Reduction in Staff – We are scaling back to a core team of four and working a reduced schedule.

🌲 Program Adjustments – All federal internships have been suspended and all VetsWork and Land Stewards internship opportunities for 2025 will be significantly reduced.

🌲 Pausing Non-Essential Spending – We are focusing resources on sustaining core operations while we develop new strategic directions.

🌲Charting New Pathways – We are actively applying for grants and seeking new state and local partnerships.

Our Mission Continues —But We Need Your Support

🌲 Donate – Your support will help sustain our programs while we work to re-envision critical partnerships. Every dollar ensures that Veterans, young adults, and conservation efforts continue.

🌲 Partner with Us. – If your organization values conservation, workforce development, or Veteran let’s collaborate.

🌲 Advocate – Encourage decision-makers to recognize the value of workforce development, Veteran support, and our public lands.

🔗 Act now: https://mtadamsinstitute.org/

@senseofplacegorge @columbiagorgenews @columbiacommunityconnection @noaa NOAA Fisheries Service

#MtAdamsInstitute #VeteransInConservation #VetsWork #LandStewards #SenseofPlaceGorge #Federalcuts

Over the course of his internship Cooper Roberts learned a lot. Like…a lot a lot. And he also helped to teach his supervisor some things along the way!

"We threw him in the deep end of a mid-career GIS analysis process…a lot of times I felt like I was the guy on the side of the pool saying, “swim, swim!”...after shoving him in…These were advanced concepts he was learning,” said Paul Cereghino, Cooper’s Supervisor.

“It felt like every week was a new question, a new frame of understanding about really complex concepts that I had no experience in,” said Cooper.

But instead of hitting the fetal position as many might have, Cooper, a soft spoken powerhouse of an AmeriCorps member, serving as an VetsWork Intern at the NOAA Restoration Center in Lacey, WA, chose to approach the situation with curiosity, a drive to learn, and a desire to keep the ball rolling on important projects. And so he resolved to spend his internship learning nearshore ecology, ecosystem service modeling, and GIS skills. Doing everything from installing log jams to conducting complex habitat assessments and documentation processes necessary to gain footing for vital restoration projects.

He also learned how to collaborate and navigate a multi group work place, where he had to work with everyone from scientists to project management leadership. All while learning to adjust to a new place and a new community.
In short: he was a very busy guy these past 11 months.

“I was amazed..no matter how hard it was he never lost that curiosity about how things fit together,” said Paul.

Now, as he continues his studies, Cooper carries forward a deeper understanding of habitat restoration, a strengthened sense of community, and a mentor-turned-neighbor in Paul.

🌎🐟 Learn more about Cooper`s story by reading his field notes on our website. (Link in bio.)

@noaa
@noaafisherieswestcoast
@noaaocean
@americorps

#mtadamsinstitue #Americorps #vetswork #careerdevelopment #veterans #publiclands

Standing hip-deep in the still waters of Conboy Lake, Sophi Mosbrucker found herself surrounded by stars—not just above, but reflected all around her in the glassy surface. ✨ In that moment, the night was alive with sound: the calls of bullfrogs, the hum of insects, the quiet laughter of her fellow interns as they moved through the dark. It was a night of adventure, connection, and conservation—a moment she’ll never forget.

But Sophi’s impact at Conboy Lake extends far beyond the magic of a single night. Over the course of her Refuge Technician internship, she:

🐸 Removed 650+ invasive American bullfrogs to protect native species such as the rare Oregon Spotted frog.
🦅 Monitored five pairs of Greater Sandhill Cranes, surveying their habitat
🌱 Assessed thousands of acres for restoration and invasive species treatment
💧 Surveyed freshwater mussels, uncovering crucial data for conservation efforts

Her supervisor, Robyn Reeder-King, shared:
"Sophi brought a wonderful level of enthusiasm to the position… Her attention to detail made her a natural data editor and manager, a crucial part of every survey."

And for Sophi, this season was life-changing:
"This season changed me down to my bones. I know things about myself now and what I want that I just never even had really considered. I will talk about the mussel survey for the rest of my life. I literally have talked it to death to everyone in my life and I will continue to do that because it was a truly magical experience."

We are beyond grateful for Sophi’s dedication and passion, and we know her impact will ripple far beyond her time at Conboy Lake. 💙

🌟Want to read more prose showcasing the beauty of nature and get a first hand look at a bullfrog hunt looks like? Visit: https://mtadamsinstitute.org/field-notes-sophia-mosbrucker-stars-in-the-dark

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

#MtAdamsInstitute #AmeriCorps #ConservationInAction #FieldNotes #LandStewards #PublicLands #WildlifeRefuge #conboylakenationalwildliferefuge #conboylake #careerdevelopment