Assistant Crew Leader

Matt Whitefield is excited to join the High Peaks Recreation Ranger Corps this summer, bringing his enthusiasm for conservation and adventure to Maine’s renowned trails. Originally from Houghton, Michigan, Matt has spent the past four years on the shores of Lake Superior while earning his degree in Wildlife Biology at Michigan Technological University, which he will complete this spring.

With several seasons of trail work already under his belt, Matt is eager to further develop his skills in rock work and trail design alongside a team of passionate outdoor stewards. He’s especially looking forward to exploring the High Peaks region, connecting with new colleagues, and learning from the vibrant conservation community.

Outside of trail work, Matt is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys rock and ice climbing, skiing, paddling, and spending as much time in or on the water as possible. This summer, he plans to embrace a new adventure by living out of his truck while working in the High Peaks. In his downtime, Matt loves to camp, read—citing The Overstory and The Secret History as favorites—and listen to the Future Ecologies podcast.

Matt is excited to discover his favorite trails in the region and hopes to do plenty of canoeing along the way. He looks forward to a season of learning, exploration, and contributing to the stewardship of Maine’s wild places.

Crew Member

Jamie George is thrilled to join the High Peaks Alliance as a member of the Recreation Ranger Corps this summer. Originally from Hendersonville, Tennessee—just outside of Nashville—Jamie has long dreamed of exploring Maine and is excited to finally experience the region’s renowned trails and landscapes.

With a strong interest in trail design and rock work, Jamie is eager to gain hands-on experience and deepen connections within the conservation and forest service communities. This season, Jamie looks forward to collaborating with fellow rangers, learning from local experts, and contributing to projects that protect and enhance the High Peaks’ natural resources.

When not working outdoors, Jamie owns a sober bar and enjoys playing guitar, writing songs, attending comedy shows, fishing, and pursuing creative side business ventures. Jamie is also an avid reader and podcast listener, currently enjoying the Fourth Wing series and the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty.

Jamie is excited to meet new people, explore the Peaks Region, and help make the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. If you see Jamie out on the trails, be sure to say hello!

Crew Member

Cole Saunders is currently finishing his first year at the University of Montana, where he studies Forestry and Wildland Fire Science. Originally from central Vermont, Cole brings a wealth of hands-on experience from four summers with a youth conservation corps in Montpelier, VT. There, he honed his skills in trail work, with a particular focus on bridge construction, and developed a passion for conservation projects that make a tangible difference in the outdoors.

Now, Cole is excited to bring his expertise to the north woods—his favorite part of New England—and to expand his abilities by tackling new types of trail work. Eager to grow a Rec Ranger, Cole looks forward to working on diverse projects and deepening his knowledge of land management and stewardship.

Crew Member

Kayla Palau is excited to spend the summer as part of the High Peaks Recreation Ranger Corps, bringing her curiosity and enthusiasm for the outdoors to the Rangeley region. Originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Kayla has called Unity, Maine, home for the past four years. Her background includes a variety of seasonal positions focused on wildlife management and biology, but this summer marks her first official experience on a trail crew—a step she’s taking to explore her growing interest in forestry.

Kayla has some trail maintenance experience from her time working at a state park and is eager to build on those skills. Her goals for the season are simple but meaningful: learn to use new tools, gain foundational forestry knowledge, and connect with others who share her passion for conservation.

An adventurer at heart, Kayla enjoys snowboarding, hiking, hunting, and ATV riding. While she’s happiest in the woods, her upbringing near the Jersey shore means she also loves beachcombing for shells and swimming. Last summer, Kayla spent six months in Alaska, car camping and exploring breathtaking landscapes up to the Arctic Ocean.

Though she often snowboards and skis at Saddleback, Kayla is looking forward to discovering the hiking trails of Rangeley and getting to know the area better. She’s always up for a new adventure and can’t wait to learn, explore, and contribute to the stewardship of Maine’s High Peaks this summer.

Intern 

Bridget Reusch is excited to return to the High Peaks Region this summer as a member of the High Peaks Recreation Ranger Corps. Originally from Farmington, Maine, Bridget is currently studying environmental biology at Paul Smith’s College in Upstate New York. She is eager to reconnect with the trails she loves and contribute to the stewardship of the region.

In addition to her trail work and outdoor project involvement, Bridget will be playing a key role in volunteer outreach for the High Peaks Alliance. She will help develop brochures and manage social media content to engage the community and raise awareness about conservation efforts and recreational opportunities in the High Peaks. Bridget looks forward to building connections, sharing stories, and supporting the Alliance’s mission through these communications efforts.

An avid athlete, Bridget races for her college’s Nordic ski and canoe teams and competes in biathlon. She also enjoys mountain biking, running, reading, drawing, and painting. A fun fact: she has a twin sister who lives in Minnesota, and when they reunite, they always seek out new adventures in the High Peaks. Bridget’s favorite trail is the Fire Warden Trail up Mt. Abraham, especially the stretch over to Sugarloaf.

Bridget is enthusiastic about a summer of learning, collaboration, and outreach, and she looks forward to meeting everyone and helping protect the beautiful landscapes of the High Peaks.