Pearl Meets MRBA's New AmeriCorps Member

Missisquoi River Basin Association is overjoyed to be welcoming a new VHCB AmeriCorps member, Natalie Hammond in addition to our returning member Ruby Bratcher. Both will be joining us for the entirety of 2026. Pearl went out with Natalie to show her around the watershed and asked her a few questions to get to know her better. Read their conversation below!

Tell me a little bit about yourself-

"Hello! My name is Natalie Hammond and I have recently joined the Missisquoi River Basin Association and the Upper Missisquoi and Trout Rivers Wild & Scenic Committee teams as a member of VHCB AmeriCorps. I am serving as a Watershed Engagement Coordinator, which will include tasks such as creating educational programming for local schools, building maps of the Missisquoi watershed using ArcGIS, conducting outdoor fieldwork to protect the watershed, and helping maintain a native plant nursery.

I was born in Long Island, New York, but grew up in the small town of Pittsboro in central North Carolina. In May of 2025, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Geographic Information Studies. Right after graduating, I spent four months working on an organic produce farm on the island of Maui, learning about regenerative agriculture and spending my free time surfing and exploring Hawai’i! I accepted this AmeriCorps service opportunity shortly afterwards and made the move from NC to VT."

What drew you to this position?

"One factor that drew me to this position was its location in Vermont, as I had never visited the state before and heard great things about the people and the beauty of the state. The position duties also aligned with many of my professional interests, such as outdoor

conservation work and GIS. After interviewing for the position, I was even more drawn to this opportunity because I really enjoyed my interactions with the staff at MRBA and UMATR and felt connected to the purpose of these organizations."

What are you most excited for?

"I think I am most excited for the events that both MRBA and UMATR are hosting throughout the year, which will provide the chance to connect to the community and also experience the beauty of the watershed in a variety of ways. With the events ranging from webinars to river tubing events, I feel like I will be able to interact with many different Vermonters and feel deeply connected to the environment over the course of this year."

What has been your favorite part so far? 

"So far, it has been fantastic to get to know the teams at MRBA and UMATR, as well as other AmeriCorps members in Vermont and other hard-working volunteers and non-profit staff. I feel so welcomed to the state and to the teams I am serving with, and have loved creating connections with such motivated and inspiring people."

What do you like most about this region of Vermont?

"I love the scenery of the Missisquoi watershed. There are incredible views of the mountains, farmland, and rivers while traveling through the watershed. I look forward to exploring it more on foot and seeing the land transform throughout the different seasons of the year."

What has surprised you most about Vermont so far? 

"One surprise has been learning the dynamics of the Northeastern states and how often Vermonters will move to and visit other states such as New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. In states like North Carolina, people may move to other cities but less so to the surrounding states, whereas in Vermont, people will go back and forth from nearby states for work, college, and travel very frequently."

What do you like to do when you are not working? 

"I definitely love to be outside, and plan on fishing, skiing, hiking, and swimming often while I am in Vermont. I love to read, and I like to explore new cafes, bookstores, and thrift stores. I also enjoy crafting and learning new instruments."

Any final thoughts? 

"I look forward to spending 2026 in Vermont! I hope to explore the state as much as I can while I’m here, and I’m grateful that my AmeriCorps position allows me to explore so much of Vermont and meet so many different people. Also, Pearl is a great dog and blogger."

We can't wait to see what Natalie get's up to this year and Pearl hopes you all get to meet her soon! Here's to a great year ahead!