Brendan Meyers Reflects on His Summer Internship

Brendan Meyers seeks to explore the intersection of environmental science and business. His interest in conservation and sustainability development led him to pursue degrees in environmental studies and economics at Dartmouth College, where he is now a sophomore. Looking to further his education outside of the classroom, Brendan researched environmental organizations on Long Island, and found the Group. “I found the website and the initiatives listed strongly appealed to me; it seemed like an organization that I wanted to get involved in,” he said.

This past summer, Brendan joined the Group as an intern, assisting in ecological restoration and management. Now, he shares what he learned, some of his favorite moments, and what he’ll take with him into his next chapter.

What were you hoping to learn during your time with the Group?

During my time with the Group, I was hoping to learn more about ecological restoration and preservation through hands-on experience. Long Island is a beautiful place with a lot of interesting natural traits, and I wanted to learn more about my hometown, which I was able to do. The work deepened my knowledge of local ecosystems with work that can be applied to numerous other spots, and it gave me both practical skills and a broader perspective on how conservation efforts can have a lasting impact.

Is there anything you did learn that you’d like to explore more while in school?

Back at school, I would like to explore the impact that ecosystem change has on local communities. Ecological systems are not only important for plants and animals, but also the people who depend on these systems for food, shelter, and water. The exploration of the relationship between protecting ecosystems and human communities is necessary to fully understand the consequences of environmental change.

What was something that surprised you about environmental work on the East End?

One of the things that surprised me about environmental work on the East End is how engaged the community in the area is. At the Great Pond cleanup, there was a large turnout of people all trying to help remove invasive species from their neighborhood. Not only did people show up at events, but the community also cared about the work that the Group was doing. Whether it was a beach cleanup or work at a park, people who passed by always asked questions about the work and often had a lot of knowledge themselves.

What were some of your favorite moments in the field?

Some of my favorite moments in the field were those that truly showed the beauty of nature. There is one spot at Pipes Cove Preserve, as you walk down the railroad tracks, that opens up to a beautiful marshland that to me, was always enjoyable to see. Working with such a great team, Taralynn and Sofia, made the work seem meaningful, and being able to see what we were trying to protect gave me a deeper appreciation for the work.