Dear Partners, Interns, Alumni, and Community Members,

We want to share an important update regarding the future of Mt. Adams Institute (MAI). After extensive reflection and careful consideration, the Board has made the decision to cease operations as of December 31, 2026. This decision was not made lightly. It reflects both the realities facing our federal partnerships in the current political climate and some key personnel changes.

Please scroll to read a message from our Executive Director or read the full statements from our Board of Directors and Executive Director at mtadamsinstitute.org.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to MAI’s mission and impact over the years.

For over a decade, Mt. Adams Institute has been dedicated to connecting people to public lands through education, service, and career development. Our programs—VetsWork Land Stewards and Sense of Place—have empowered Veterans, young adults, and communities to serve, learn, and grow while caring for our nation`s public lands.

However, federal budget cuts have placed this mission at risk.

What This Means for MAI:

🌲 60% Reduction in Staff – We are scaling back to a core team of four and working a reduced schedule.

🌲 Program Adjustments – All federal internships have been suspended and all VetsWork and Land Stewards internship opportunities for 2025 will be significantly reduced.

🌲 Pausing Non-Essential Spending – We are focusing resources on sustaining core operations while we develop new strategic directions.

🌲Charting New Pathways – We are actively applying for grants and seeking new state and local partnerships.

Our Mission Continues —But We Need Your Support

🌲 Donate – Your support will help sustain our programs while we work to re-envision critical partnerships. Every dollar ensures that Veterans, young adults, and conservation efforts continue.

🌲 Partner with Us. – If your organization values conservation, workforce development, or Veteran let’s collaborate.

🌲 Advocate – Encourage decision-makers to recognize the value of workforce development, Veteran support, and our public lands.

🔗 Act now: https://mtadamsinstitute.org/

@senseofplacegorge @columbiagorgenews @columbiacommunityconnection @noaa NOAA Fisheries Service

#MtAdamsInstitute #VeteransInConservation #VetsWork #LandStewards #SenseofPlaceGorge #Federalcuts

Over the course of his internship Cooper Roberts learned a lot. Like…a lot a lot. And he also helped to teach his supervisor some things along the way!

"We threw him in the deep end of a mid-career GIS analysis process…a lot of times I felt like I was the guy on the side of the pool saying, “swim, swim!”...after shoving him in…These were advanced concepts he was learning,” said Paul Cereghino, Cooper’s Supervisor.

“It felt like every week was a new question, a new frame of understanding about really complex concepts that I had no experience in,” said Cooper.

But instead of hitting the fetal position as many might have, Cooper, a soft spoken powerhouse of an AmeriCorps member, serving as an VetsWork Intern at the NOAA Restoration Center in Lacey, WA, chose to approach the situation with curiosity, a drive to learn, and a desire to keep the ball rolling on important projects. And so he resolved to spend his internship learning nearshore ecology, ecosystem service modeling, and GIS skills. Doing everything from installing log jams to conducting complex habitat assessments and documentation processes necessary to gain footing for vital restoration projects.

He also learned how to collaborate and navigate a multi group work place, where he had to work with everyone from scientists to project management leadership. All while learning to adjust to a new place and a new community.
In short: he was a very busy guy these past 11 months.

“I was amazed..no matter how hard it was he never lost that curiosity about how things fit together,” said Paul.

Now, as he continues his studies, Cooper carries forward a deeper understanding of habitat restoration, a strengthened sense of community, and a mentor-turned-neighbor in Paul.

🌎🐟 Learn more about Cooper`s story by reading his field notes on our website. (Link in bio.)

@noaa
@noaafisherieswestcoast
@noaaocean
@americorps

#mtadamsinstitue #Americorps #vetswork #careerdevelopment #veterans #publiclands