Northeast Fellows Regional Retreat
Smith Fellows from across cohorts gathered in Bennington, Vermont, for a Fellow-organized regional retreat supported by the program’s regional meet-up funds. These funds give Fellows opportunities to stay connected locally, exchange ideas, and build relationships that continue beyond their fellowship years.
The theme was “Art, Science, and Conservation Practice” and included activities that explored how creative approaches can strengthen scientific communication, collaboration, and engagement with conservation partners and communities. Shared meals and creative activities made room for conversations about life and work in conservation. Special focus was paid to navigating the current moment as participants discussed career challenges and the changing political and environmental landscape, finding encouragement in sharing their experiences with peers. As reflected in their report, the weekend offered an important safe space for honest conversation, mutual support, and renewed motivation.
Welcoming families also made space to acknowledge the demands of working parenthood and the people who will benefit from conservation efforts. “This event was also open to families, especially children, which gave a window into the persistent demands of life as working parents, but also broadened the visible scope of why we do what we do. The future is playing, laughing, shouting, eating, and dancing all around us. We can discuss and work together to support each other knowing exactly who will benefit from the conservation work we do.”
The gathering also gave Fellows time to reconnect with the landscape where they live and work. “Holding gatherings in the place we all live also enabled us to connect with the nature that we all work within and to fall in love with New England again.”
Connecting across cohorts and disciplines was a particularly valuable part of the weekend. Fellows exchanged contacts, shared suggestions for resources and facilities, and began making plans to meet again. In their words, it was “an organic human process of coming together, forming lasting bonds, resting, and recovering.”
The retreat is one example of how Fellows are using regional meet-up funds to keep the Smith community connected—creating time for the conversations and relationships that help sustain both their work in conservation and their personal wellbeing.
