Meet a few of the Maryland Conservation Corps’ Current Members and Alumni
Annie Tang
Service Location: Assateague State Park
(2025-2026)
Joining MCC was important to me because:
I love natural spaces that we have here in Maryland, and I want to help others enjoy them too. I hope to carry the skills and experience I gain from MCC into my future career.
Career/Future Goals:
I would like to pursue a career in wildlife biology.
What I enjoy most about MCC:
What I enjoy most about MCC is that we are always working outside in nature, and no two days are the same.
Jake Bonner
Service Location: Deep Creek Lake State Park
(2024 to 2026)
Joining MCC was important to me because:
I plan to pursue a career in the Maryland Park Service, and MCC is a great way to gain experience and build a strong resume. It is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet people from all over the state and work together to get things done.
Career/Future Goals:
I would like to pursue a career as a classified ranger for the Maryland Park Service.
What I enjoy most about MCC:
My favorite part of MCC is working outside with nature every day. I also really enjoy the supportive environment that MCC has. Everyone, from the members to the higher-up staff, is always willing to help at any time, and they always want to see us thrive.
Daniel Balinger
Service Location: Fair Hill NRMA
(2024 to 2026)
Joining MCC was important to me because:
I was a seasonal ranger before joining MCC and felt like I had done the most I could in that position. I saw MCC as a good next step for me to get new training opportunities and experiences which were different from what I had previously.
Career/Future Goals:
Over the summer I had the opportunity [through MCC] to go on a western wildfire trip. I hope to continue exploring that avenue.
What I enjoy most about MCC:
I love that MCC gives me opportunities to try new things and meet new people. I also love the culture. The vibes are always good.
Alaina Gasker
Service Location: Gunpowder Falls State Park
(2025-2026)
Joining MCC was important to me because:
During my time as a Seasonal Ranger, many people I admire spoke very highly of the MCC program, which inspired me to join.
Career/Future Goals:
My goal is to work for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a Classified Ranger or a Natural Resources Biologist.
What I enjoy most about MCC:
I love exploring different locations across Gunpowder [Falls State Park] and other state parks, and I enjoy the variety of projects that allow me to learn new techniques and skills.
Makaila Ballah
Service Location: Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
(2024 to 2026)
Joining MCC was important to me because:
Joining was important to me because I knew this program would give me the opportunity to learn and apply different land management techniques for the betterment of my state and community. It also was a way to test if I can work outdoors for a living. I learned a lot in my first year, and my comfortability outdoors has skyrocketed. During my second year, I plan to hone my land management skills and learn how to use heavy machinery.
Career/Future Goals:
My career goal is to be a wildlife manager. I’m also interested in invasive removal and public outreach, so I hope to incorporate both into my career as well.
What I enjoy most about MCC:
What I enjoy most about MCC are the people I work with! Everyone in MCC is passionate about what we do, and I also enjoy being able to partner with different entities throughout the state.
Hannah Moore
Service Location: Deep Creek Lake State Park
(2025-2026)
Joining MCC was important to me because:
I am passionate about the environment working in nature. Being an MCC crew member allows me to make a lasting impact through conservation work and gives me so many new experiences from chainsaw operations to hemlock treatments.
Career/Future Goals:
I would love to work in natural resources or the park service full time. I want to help people discover a love for the outdoors.
What I enjoy most about MCC:
What I enjoy most about MCC is being surrounded by incredible people who also care about conservation and the environment. Everyone from crew members, crew leaders, rangers, and headquarters staff creates a warm, welcoming environment. I love working with everyone and learning new skills.
James McDonough
Service Location: Assateague State Park
(2025-2026)
Joining MCC was important to me because:
I love working with other people and being in the field.
Career/Future Goals:
My future career goal is to become a full-time ranger.
What I enjoy most about MCC:
The thing I enjoy most about MCC is meeting all of the friendly and helpful people.
Maria Fetter
Crew Location: Gunpowder Falls State Park
(2024 to 2026)
Joining MCC was important to me because:
Joining MCC is important to me because it has opened doors for me to further my career in environmental science, ecology, and conservation. It's also an opportunity for me to learn new skills, meet new people, and serve my community and parks.
Career/Future Goals:
My career goal is to become an environmental science educator, a national park interpretation ranger, and paramedic. I am also pursuing a career as a wildland firefighter and working to join a sawyer crew.
What I enjoy most about MCC:
It is difficult to narrow down, as there are many things that I enjoy. Most of all, I enjoy the people in the program, the many learning opportunities, and the sense of community within MCC, MPS, and DNR.
