For Heather Weisfield, the story of Mt. Adams Institute began before MAI even existed.

Heather was the Individual Placement Coordinator at Northwest Service Academy, working alongside a team of enthusiastic young people who were doing meaningful work for our forests while gaining experience that could lead to careers in natural resources.

When NWSA eventually became Mt. Adams Institute under Brendan Norman’s leadership, Heather’s connection to the work continued. She joined the MAI Board and served for about four years.

Years later, the connection became a family one when her son, Aaron Stanton, joined the MAI team and eventually became Executive Director.

As we reflect on the many years of work that began with NWSA and continued through MAI, Heather’s story is a reminder that the impact reaches far beyond any one program or organization. It lives on in the careers, relationships, communities, and people shaped along the way.

Thank you, Heather, for sharing your memories and for being part of this story.

#stories #mtadams #giffordpinchot

What started as a conversation on a chair lift at Mt. Hood Meadows became more than five years of service to Mt. Adams Institute.

Rick Mogren joined the MAI Board in August 2021, drawn to the organization’s work helping veterans find careers in natural resources. He went on to become Board Chair in 2022 and has helped guide MAI through some of its most challenging chapters.

When Rick looks back on his time with MAI, he’s especially proud of the Board they built, the way staff and leadership came together to adapt after the loss of AmeriCorps funding, and the dedication MAI’s staff has shown throughout the dissolution process.

For Rick, serving on the Board was also his first experience with a nonprofit organization.

“It was very educational and deeply rewarding.”

Thank you, Rick, for the time, leadership, and care you’ve given to Mt. Adams Institute.

#mtadams #landstewardship

A few weeks ago, we asked you to share your Mt. Adams Institute stories with us. Now, we get to start sharing some of them. 💚

First up is David Escarcega, who spent his internship at Mark Twain National Forest.

David shared:
“I was fortunate to have spent time living in a wonderful community thanks to this endeavor. I’m sad this opportunity is concluding.”

Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing more stories from the people who have been part of Mt. Adams Institute over the years. Different programs, different places, different chapters of life, but all connected through this community.

Thank you, David, for helping us kick off this series and for being part of the MAI story.

And if you haven’t shared yours yet, there’s still time. Whether it’s a favorite memory, a photo from the field, a lesson you’ve carried with you, or simply what your time with MAI meant to you, we’d love to hear it. Send us a DM 💚

#landstewardship #nationalforests #troutlakewa #giffordpinchot