Summer is the busy season in the Blue Hills Reservation. Guided hikes, trail work, educational programming, and community events large and small round out the Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH) calendar well into fall. There’s a lot going on, and with just three full-time staff members, it can be a challenge to ensure it all happens.
Thankfully, Caitie Andris was able to join FBH recently as a seasonal staff member focusing on community engagement. Let’s get to know Caitie a bit better through a quick Q&A.
Friends of the Blue Hills: What inspired you to join Friends of the Blue Hills? 
Caitie Andris: I’m getting married in October, so I’ve been working non-stop at additional jobs. This one really aligned with my career goals, and I wanted to get back into the world of nonprofits, so I thought it would be a good fit. I’ve enjoyed tabling and being a representative of the other nonprofits I’ve worked at. I worked at a summer camp for years, and it was the best job ever, being able to connect people with the natural world.
FBH: What are you most excited to work on?Â
CA: Animal- and family-based programs! I love kids and getting them excited about the natural world. Kids and animals can do no wrong.
FBH: What’s your background, and how does it connect with your work here?Â
CA: I’ve done about 10-ishyears of non-profit work, and then I worked for about five summers at a seasonal camp when I was growing up. I think that being outside with people you may or may not have existing connections to is really important, especially for young people — and especially right now, when technology is so prevalent but so dangerous to the way your brain forms.
FBH: What are some words your friends would use to describe you?Â
CA: I don’t know. “Original” or like… “odd” … those would probably be in there. Probably “passionate”? They’d probably be like, “Oh, if she likes something, then she REALLY likes it.” But that’s not a single word.
FBH: If you could pick one skill or superpower to help the Blue Hills, what would it be?Â
CA: Probably to create a bunch of mini-mes running around to let more people know about what FBH does for the park.
FBH: What’s one environmental cause (besides protecting the Blue Hills!) that you’re passionate about?
CA: Manatees. We gotta save the manatees. I love manatees so much.
FBH: How can members or volunteers connect with you or support your work?Â
CA: Donate your time or money to FBH! And, watch for me at FBH events in the park for the rest of summer. Come say hello and ask questions.
