Anya Almeida
Shorebird and Ecology TechnicianTell us about your history before joining the Land Bank team.
I grew up in central Rhode Island close to Narragansett. This past spring I graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and conservation biology. I absolutely love living near the ocean which is why Nantucket is perfect! I also love to travel. My love of travel was initially sparked by spending a year abroad in Naples, Italy at 14 years old. My studies have taken me to the Peruvian Amazon to study primates, and Indonesia to study Biodiversity, Marine Pollution, and Geothermal Activity.
What is your role at the Land Bank?
My role at the Land Bank is the Shorebird and Ecology Technician. This position allows me to have a lot of diversity in my day-to-day tasks. I spend half of my time working with the Town of Nantucket to monitor NLB beaches for endangered piping plovers and American oystercatchers. I spend the other half of the time with the rest of the environmental department at NLB performing invasive species management, forest management, plant surveys, and more.
What drew you to work at the Land Bank?
Before stumbling across this job opportunity, I had never been to Nantucket or even heard of the Nantucket Land Bank. After looking into the values of the organization and meeting with some of the environmental team members, I knew that it would be a good fit. I truly believe in the work that we are doing here at the Land Bank, and I am passionate about keeping spaces open and accessible to the public to enjoy the natural world.
What’s the most interesting thing about your job?
The birds!!! Birds are extraordinarily intelligent and fascinating beings. They have a lot more personality than a lot of people initially believe. I feel really lucky to be able to watch the plovers nest, hatch, and fledge their chicks.
What’s your favorite Land Bank property and why?
My favorite Land Bank property is Gardner Farm. The property is easy to get to and has a beautiful trail system and tons of fireflies at night! It is my favorite spot for an after work walk, trail run, or sunset over Hummock Pond.
Bozhin Angelov
Property Maintenance AssistantWhat is your role at the Land Bank?
My position at the Land Bank is Property Maintenance Assistant. My job is to make sure all the trails and parks are mowed and well-trimmed so they are safe for everyone who wants to enjoy them.
Catch us up on what you’ve been up to since last summer before returning to the island!
After my last season with the Land Bank, I went back home to Bulgaria and did my last semester at university. In the winter I was a ski instructor in the Bulgarian mountains and managed to graduate in the spring. And now, here I am again!
Why did you decide to return to the Land Bank for a second season?
The Nantucket Land Bank is an organization with a wonderful cause. Preserving the nature of this beautiful island and making it accessible for everyone is something that I’m proud to be part of.
Another reason that made me come back is the people that I work with. When it comes to their work, everyone is so professional and that really motivates me to do the same and at the same time everyone is nice and helpful. That creates a healthy work environment which I think is hard to find.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing this summer at the Land Bank?
I’m looking forward to having another great season, completing all my tasks and projects successfully and on time. We work outdoors and use a lot of machinery so hopefully no accidents or injuries happen.
What’s your favorite part of living and working on Nantucket?
The people that I get to meet here are usually nice and friendly so that makes my life here very enjoyable. The beautiful beaches and good restaurants downtown are another part of Nantucket that I love.
Is there anything else you want to share?
Be safe, stay hydrated and go enjoy the trails!
Anna DeCarlo
Field Tech InternWhat is your role at the Land Bank?
I am a Field Tech Intern for a second season!
Catch us up on what you’ve been up to since last summer before returning to the island!
Since last summer, I graduated from UMass Amherst as a Natural Resource Conservation major. Throughout the years, I took incredible courses that prepared me for working in the conservation field and I’ll be forever grateful for my time at UMass. I also studied abroad in Prague for one month in January with one of my best friends which is something I am so glad I did!
Why did you decide to return to the Land Bank for a second season?
I decided to return to the Land Bank because of the amazing summer I had with coworkers, projects, and the all-around mission of the Land Bank. Working outside in the field is such a gratifying experience, especially on Nantucket with all the unique habitats and diverse plants. Being able to see the results of our hard work and the joy open spaces bring to our community is one of the best aspects of this field.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing this summer at the Land Bank?
This summer, I am looking forward to learning more about Nantucket every day and working alongside our awesome staff to carry out this summer’s to-do list!
What’s your favorite part of living and working on Nantucket?
My favorite part of living and working on Nantucket is engaging with the diverse and rare habitats. The biodiversity within the habitats here is breathtaking and has made me feel even more grateful to be from this beautiful island. Being able to connect with the land around me through what I have learned and experienced is something I will always have in my back pocket.
Marti Ivanov
Property Maintenance AssistantTell us about your history before joining the Land Bank team.
This is my third season on the island and my first one working for the Nantucket Land Bank. The previous two years I’ve been working as a caretaker at another company on the island which includes a lot of work with machines and equipment. I’m a student exchange visitor here in the States and I’m almost done with my bachelor’s degree back at home (Bulgaria) where I’m specializing in conditional training. My family comes from a small town in Bulgaria named Montana where I spent most of my childhood, and I moved alone to the capital (Sofia) 4 years ago.
What is your role at the Land Bank?
My role at the Land Bank is Property Maintenance Assistant. I’m taking care of more than 40 properties that the Land Bank owns. The things I do include mowing grass, cutting bushes, trimming hedges, and using different types of equipment.
What drew you to work at the Land Bank?
I heard of the Land Bank last year from my friend Bozhin who was working there at the time. I was already experienced in that type of field. I wish I knew the Land Bank way before that because now I’m enjoying it more than any other job that I had before.
What’s the most interesting thing about your job?
The interesting part of our job is using different equipment very often, driving to different places on the island that the Land Bank owns and doing the best that we can to make them look beautiful.
What’s your favorite Land Bank property and why?
My favorite property is 158 Orange St, because it has a nice view with a dock by the end of it and it’s a very good location near a busy road.
Diana Silvestri
Seasonal Land StewardWhat is your role at the Land Bank?
Seasonal Land Steward. I make my way to the most visited properties in the morning and make sure they are clean and safe for public use.
Catch us up on what you’ve been up to since last summer before returning to the island!
A lot! I finally got to bring my mom to Morocco to meet my husband’s family. We had a great time eating and wandering through the North of Morocco. I also got to visit Sao Miguel Island in the Azores and Madeira Island before making my way back to Hawaii for the winter!
Why did you decide to return to the Land Bank for a second season?
I enjoy working for the Land Bank and its mission. I wish it existed in more places. Everyone who works for the Land Bank is great and I also love Nantucket.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing this summer at the Land Bank?
I just want to do a good job and make connections with the properties and the people who visit the properties.
What’s your favorite part of living and working on Nantucket?
I like how accessible nature is. From walking on trails to biking on the bike paths. It’s pretty easy to navigate. The beach is never too far away as well!
Is there anything else you want to share?
I just want to send my appreciation to the Maintenance crew. Seasonal and year-round crew all work really hard and do a really good job!