Birds are cool, but plants rule.
That’s according to Kinsey Cuoco, NALT’s new intern and avowed fungi enthusiast. A recent college graduate, Kinsey will be working this summer for NALT at its Brinton Run Preserve (BRP) in Chadds Ford, PA.
Among her many duties, Kinsey is working on cataloging some of plant, animal, and fungus species she finds at the public preserve.
“I am really interested in plants and fungi,” Kinsey, 23, of Milford, PA, said recently. “I think it would be cool and useful to document the species diversity here at Brinton Run.”
Last month, Kinsey graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from West Chester University with a concentration in ecology and conservation. She previously served as a land steward intern at the Robert B. Gordon Natural Area at West Chester University, a position similar to the one she holds at Brinton Run.
Cuoco said she is looking forward to working with NALT’s Northeast Program Director Matt Stutzman at BRP. She said Matt has a lot of knowledge about birds and animals, which complements Kinsey’s interest in plant life.
“I think we make a good team,” Kinsey said.
Asked what her duties will be at Brinton Run, Kinsey replied: “Everything.” On a recent sunny day, Kinsey started the morning planting trees along the slopes of Brinton Run Preserve. That afternoon, she spent several hours mowing and maintaining the hiking trails.
Kinsey said she is excited to have the chance to put her conservation knowledge into action, working for the North American Land Trust (NALT) at Brinton Run.
“If organizations like NALT didn’t exist,” she said, “I think we would have a lot more strip malls and highways than we already do.”
She added: “I think it’s important to have someone who stands up for nature. It’s human nature to change everything. That’s what we do. But we need organizations like NALT dedicated to preserving natural resources.”
The NALT team recently extended the trails throughout the preserve to include the forested areas on the property. Previously, the trails looped around the meadows and pollinator fields. Now, visitors can hike along Brinton Run through the tall trees and streams on the Brigade Trail.
Kinsey said the Brigade Trail is her favorite part of the public preserve.
“I love the forest,” she said. “I enjoy the complexity. There is life in every little place that you can see.”
Brinton Run Preserve is open to the public. For more information, visit the Brinton Run Preserve website.
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