There are new faces on the Met Branch Trail this summer. With generous support from REI, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has teamed up with the Student Conservation Association to sponsor two Trail Ambassadors, and Beacon House to sponsor a high school Journalism Intern. The Trail Ambassadors will organize trail cleanups and other events, collect data on trail use, and answer questions during trail activities. The Journalism Intern will write stories about the MBT activities this summer.
When you see them on the trail, stop and say hello!
Profile: Trail Ambassador Kendra Allen
By Armonté Butler
A native Washingtonian, Kendra Allen, is one of two members of the Student Conservation Association working on the Met Branch Trail this summer as a Trail Ambassador. Kendra is a senior at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA majoring in Magazine Journalism. She has a passion for writing and photography, and aspires to be a writer for a music publication and be a photographer for National Geographic or Spin. While a Trail Ambassador, she plans to not only to apply her journalism skills but learn more about biking in Washington, D.C.
In Kendra’s free time you’ll find her listening to music or hanging out with friends at Busboys and Poets, where she enjoys the lyrical works of her peers. If you see Kendra on the MBT don’t scurry away from a quick chat! She enjoys talking to community members who travel through the trail via walking, running, or biking. She plans to increase the traffic on the trail by bringing awareness to the community and finding creative ways to publicize this wonderful trail.
Profile: Trail Ambassador Lindsey Hethcote
By Kendra Allen
Lindsey Hethcote is also an MBT Bike Ambassador. She recently graduated from the University of Denver, and is interested in land management and community development. In addition to being a Trail Ambassador, she works for Ecoagriculture Partners, an organization that advocates sustainable agriculture management, where she writes about agriculture and land management issues.
She enjoys reading, biking, hiking, and is especially interested in discovering some of D.C.’s trails. Although as a child she dreamed of being a veterinarian and astronaut, her career interests now involve promoting sustainable land management techniques and working with indigenous people in developing countries. She is excited to learn more community development and creating successful outreach programs as a Trail Ambassador this summer. Lindsey is particularly looking forward to planning activities in the trailside garden at DC Prep Charter School.
Profile: Journalism Intern Armonté Butler
By Armonté Butler
Armonté Butler is a Met Branch Trail journalism intern with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. He is a rising-senior at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School and has a passion for journalism and urban development. On the trail, you can see him capturing photos and interviewing walkers, bikers, and runners. His role as a journalism intern includes interacting with the community, participating in trail events and activities, and bringing awareness of the trail to community members.
This summer, he plans to enhance not only his journalism skills but photography as well. After high school, he will attend college and plans to major in Human Development or Public Health. Armonté loves to interact with the community and becoming involved with issues of global importance. Armonté is thrilled to be working with the Met Branch Trail community!
