Spring is a time of renewed energy, when plants and wildlife emerge from dormancy and the woods come alive with buzzing, birds songs, and the rushing of ephemeral streams. Here at Mountain Watershed Association, we are excited to welcome new energy into our work. It is our pleasure to introduce you to three new team members at MWA.
Meet Lindsey Waugaman, our Education & Outreach Coordinator.
Lindsey has a deep-rooted love of the Laurel Highlands, spending weekends and vacations at her family’s cabin near Indian Creek. She grew up skiing at Hidden Valley and Seven Springs, hiking in the area’s public lands, and exploring the streams that we work to protect. This is what fostered her love of environmental education. Lindsey was a Park Ranger at Allegheny County Parks before coming to MWA, coordinating volunteer efforts and implementing education programming for all ages. We are excited to have Lindsey on our team! She is coordinating the Family Field Day in June, stocking our resource library, and implementing the Water Guardians afterschool club at the Carnegie Free Library in Connellsville – to name a few things! Reach out and say hello at Lindsey@mtwatershed.com.
Meet Colleen O’Neil, our Communications Specialist.
Colleen was raised in the Laurel Highlands and calls these hills home. Though she loves to travel and explore new places, she finds herself drawn back to the mountain streams and trails. Discovering her love of cross country running in high school, she developed a love for the muddy trails and lush forests in the area. Colleen’s love of writing and reading led her to complete a degree in English and her love of the outdoors prompted her to complete an internship with The Allegheny Front, a public radio program that covers environmental news in the Pittsburgh area. Before coming to MWA, Colleen led guided cycling tours and managed the photography department at Wilderness Voyageurs in Ohiopyle. We are thrilled to have Colleen join us in this brand new position on our team. She manages our social media presence, sends monthly email newsletters, and promotes our work and impact in the communities of the greater Youghiogheny River watershed. Reach out and say hello at Colleen@mtwatershed.com.
Meet Keith Terney, our Summer Americorps Member
Keith grew up in a suburban Maryland community and frequented his family’s cabin to explore the woods and streams in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. He spent the first part of his career in financial management in the Washington, DC area but felt a calling to conservation work. As he pursues a degree in Environmental Science through Oregon State University, Keith has immersed himself in volunteer work in Pennsylvania and has become a PA Forest Steward, Master Watershed Steward, and Master Naturalist. His volunteer work has involved various projects such as water monitoring of the Conemaugh River, expansion of a pollinator habitat along the West Penn Trail, establishment of an environmental club at an elementary school, and a lawn to meadow conversion on my family’s property in Derry Township. We are thankful to have Keith and his passion for protecting and restoring Pennsylvania’s natural resources. You can say hello at Keith@mtwatershed.com.