Meet Laura, our new Community Forestry Initiative AmeriCorps member!

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is excited to be a part of the Community Forestry Corps! This program engages a team of AmeriCorps members in the preservation and protection of Minnesota’s forests. Community Forestry Initiative Americorps Members serve at a nonprofit or public agency with a mission to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment and strengthen communities, with a focus on preserving and increasing tree canopy. Meet the park’s newest member for 2023: Laura Crossman!

Hi, I’m Laura (she/they)! I’m an east coast transplant who grew up in Delaware, and I’m a Marine Biology student at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. I am new to Minnesota, and taking some time away from the shore to focus on trees! I spent two summers with Delaware State Parks as a Conservation Corps member, working on trail maintenance and park beautification projects. This was my first opportunity to work outdoors for the parks I love and led to another opportunity in Arizona with the Student Conservation Association. There, I spent three months working largely on backcountry trails and slept in a tent every night, loving absolutely every second of it.

My favorite involvement with the outdoors has always included community. I have a passion for connecting people with the planet, and have organized and assisted with lots of educational and hands-on programming at my University through the Marine Conservation Society and working as a Sustainability Intern. I am incredibly excited to be taking on another role where I can help connect people to nature!

As a Community Forestry Americorps Member with the Mississippi Park Connection, my primary goal is to offer support in increasing, managing, and inventorying our local urban tree canopy. I will be working on the ASCC (Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change) project, to support climate resiliency, engaging in the Winter River Program with local schools to foster children’s love for the outdoors and provide some fun educational activities, and will be assisting with tree orders and planting events in the spring.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, camping, visiting new parks, traveling, and propagating plants. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Laura with any questions! lcrossman@parkconnection.org