Erin first learned about the Maine Island Trail while working for another long distance water trail, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. After a few years of volunteering and contracting with MITA, she officially came on board in 2014. Before joining the team, Erin was co-owner of Portland Paddle (a kayak & stand-up paddleboard outfitter) and principal at Kingfisher Conservation & Recreation (her consulting firm/professional alter ego). She serves on the board of Hardy Girls Healthy Women and as a member of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust Stewardship Committee and the Portland Trails Trails and Active Transportation Committee. She has coordinated volunteer events for local non-profits through Take Action Portland, and served as a regular volunteer for the Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides & Instructors, Marine Mammals of Maine, SPACE Gallery, and other local groups. Erin has a BA in sociology & anthropology from Carleton College, an MS in natural resources from the University of Vermont, and half a PhD from the University of Maine. She’s a Maine Guide, ACA-certified sea kayak instructor, and Wilderness First Responder. She and her partner Ned live in Portland, where she enjoys eating, writing, making music, and playing outside on land and water.
