Keryn Bernstein
I have spent my past two summers as a Landmark volunteer and found both programs to be most rewarding and unforgettable. Not only do I value the friendships and different experiences that Landmark provided, but I truly made a difference in giving back to the community.

I spent my first summer with nine others at the Mohonk Preserve in New York. It felt good to be working outdoors in such a beautiful area. The work was often hard and the heat could make it difficult, but at the end of the day I felt proud of the small strides we made in helping to maintain and restore part of the preserve. We helped restore the historic carriage roads, built rock steps and assisted with erosion control. It was fun to work with my fellow volunteers in preparing healthy, economical dinners, making lunches and sharing this time with nine new friends.

Last summer, I again chose a site where the work was quite physical and outdoors at Bartholomew’s Cobble in Ashley Falls, Massachusetts. I spent time removing invasive plant species and doing plant conservation. The staff that worked with us was most informative and I truly began to value the beauty of the area I was working in. Learning to live, work, cook and play with others is a valuable lesson in life. Although I have experienced other community service programs and didn’t need the community service hours for graduation, I look forward to another summer with Landmark. It feels good to do something worthwhile, giving back to our society and at the same time making lasting friendships. I would highly recommend being a Landmark volunteer.

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