8/28/2026 | Conor Harrington, Ashley Metzbower, and Katie Walsh

With fewer events during the summer due to the heat, NeighborSpace usually focuses on internal activities, such as watering, invasive removal, tree monitoring and maintenance, and more. This summer, we decided to enlist the help of interns to expedite our tasks. Enter Ashley and Katie, a current UMBC student and a UMBC alumni, respectively. These two helped NeighborSpace greatly in our summer efforts, and they are here today to talk a little bit about themselves and their experiences working with NeighborSpace.

Ashley's Summer Reflections:

"I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with NeighborSpace this summer as a stewardship intern because it allowed me to be outside most days and learn in nature. I was able to gain more experience in the field and had the privilege of meeting and working alongside NeighborSpace’s land steward, Conor, and Katie, another intern. 

A lot of workdays were spent at different sites removing invasive plant species such as Japanese knotweed, Japanese stiltgrass, and wavyleaf basketgrass. We also monitored the Miyawaki forests and other recent plantings through tree and shrub health assessments, where we logged their conditions and any recommended improvements. During my time working, my plant identification skills have greatly increased, and I’m excited to put them to use in the future. 

It has also been really incredible to see how many protected parks and forests are so close to me and accessible to others. I am happy to have spent my summer with such an amazing organization as NeighborSpace of Baltimore County. My work has given me a sense of accomplishment, as I feel I have helped to improve local ecosystems and be a part of something bigger than myself!"

Katie's Summer Reflections:

"Hello! My name is Katie and I have been interning with NeighborSpace this summer to help monitor and care for the various forests and parks protected by the organization. So far this has been an incredible experience where I have been able to meet many individuals that are always kind and willing to share their knowledge with me. I have learned so much, including how to identify different native and invasive species, plus just how many sites are protected by NeighborSpace and how important their job is to the local community.

One of my favorite skills I have gained from my time here is plant identification. It is a very daunting and tricky task, but I have learned so much more than I thought I would in a small amount of time. It is not only fun but very personally fulfilling to be able to walk through a forest and know what plant species I am seeing and to also know what to look for to determine their health. I also enjoy getting to meet so many locals that live in these areas and can see firsthand how NeighborSpace’s work is impacting and inspiring them. It is also always fun to meet local critters like caterpillars, deer, and everything else that benefits from these protected sites.

I am very grateful to NeighborSpace for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to continue my journey of learning with them!"