On April 13th and May 17th, DLC staff welcomed students from Millbrook Middle School’s Job Shadow Program to our office. The students were able to rotate among Stewardship, Education, and Land Conservation staff and learn a little bit about each staff member’s role at DLC. Students learned about the importance of vernal pools and their biology; how DLC staff stewards its easements including instruction on using a GPS device; how to use parcel mapping software to create maps of properties; and the benefits of preserving and protecting land. Students then enjoyed a pizza lunch with the entire staff and returned home with maps of their own properties. It’s not clear who had a better time - the staff or the students! Many thanks to Millbrook Middle School and Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Ryan Judge for allowing DLC to broaden the horizons of some great future conservationists! See below for excerpts from the students’ thank you letters and from one grateful parent.

From the Students:

I liked going to your company because of all the fascinating stuff you showed me . . . You taught me
how to use a GPS to mark where I’ve been . . . I especially liked flying on Google Earth and learning
about what you guys do . . . I enjoyed learning what an easement is . . . I especially enjoyed looking
at my house on the computer . . .

From Therese Cox, Mother of Student Daniel Cox:

Dear Mr. Judge:

I just want to let you know that Daniel had a great time yesterday at Dutchess Land Conservancy.
Admittedly, he was not at all enthusiastic about going when he left for school so he was very much
surprised at how good of a time he had. It's no exaggeration when I say that he talked about his experience
all evening last night. The people at Dutchess Land Conservancy seem to have gone above
and beyond in their efforts and provided Daniel and Tim Race with a great experience. They even
provided lunch for them. Dan couldn't wait to explain to us what he learned and show us the maps he
produced of our property. He was able to explain to us the importance of vernal pools and a number
of other things and did so with such excitement.
 

I just want to pass this on because you may be looking for some feedback for each location. This
was a great idea and I know that Dan learned a great deal in just one day.
 

Thank you for your efforts and thanks to Dutchess Land Conservancy as well.
 

Regards,

Therese Cox