Meet the 2021 Youth Conservation Corps

Join us in welcoming the 2021 Youth Conservation Corps members. This season projects include bacteria sampling, streamwalk assessment surveys, culvert assessments, river clean-ups, stormdrain marking and other stewardship projects.

Peter Porrello is this year’s Dr. Marc J Taylor Intern and a rising sophomore studying Marine Biology at University of New Haven. He plans to pursue a masters degree in Environmental Science. He has volunteered at Maritime Aquarium as an educator and with Marine Conservation Society conducting clean-ups. Peter looks forward to learning more about freshwater aquatic environments.

Selana Kurutan is a rising senior at Westover School and a returning YCC crew member from 2020. She is involved with the Environmental Action Club at her school and has participated in a week-long internship with Kenauk Institute where she learned about e-fishing, conservation and wildlife protection. She is interested in science and is eager to continue learning about water protection.

Hannah Kostka is a rising junior at Nonnewaug High School in the agriscience program and is very involved in her school and community as a Sophomore Block Vice President, Girl Scout, Woodbury and Connecticut FFA Chapter Secretary, and math and reading tutor. She is interested in agricultural impacts on the environment and in furthering her knowledge of environmental science.

Samantha Ouellette is a graduating senior from the Taft School and will begin her first year in the Environmental Studies program at Boston College in the fall. She has volunteered with many organizations including Bethlehem Land Trust and Flanders Nature Center. She has experience as a farm worker and a gardener and is ready to jump into the busy outdoor field season.