Aldermere Farm became a Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserve 20 years ago, after Albert Chatfield Jr. bequeathed the farm to MCHT in 1999. Since that time, MCHT has cared for the saltwater farm and world-class herd of Belted Galloways while adopting youth agricultural programs and holding community events to connect people to Aldermere Farm.
Over the years, dozens of young people have come up through MCHT’s youth agricultural programming at Aldermere Farm, including Erin Rollins. Erin is now in her final year at Atlantic Veterinary College. Below, she shares what she learned as a participant in the Farm Hands and 4-H programs, and how they set her on the path towards becoming a veterinarian.
Erin Rollins is in her final year at Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island.
“I honestly don’t know what I would be doing with my life right now if I hadn’t been a part of Farm Hands and the Aldermere Achievers 4-H program at Aldermere Farm Preserve. From middle school through high school, I spent anywhere from two to seven days a week at the farm taking care of the animals. I loved spending time there, and I’m still friends with everyone I met. It was nice to have a social circle outside of school.
I’ve always loved all kinds of animals, but I learned to love cows at Aldermere Farm. I think I’m the only person in vet school who has a soft spot for beef cattle—Aldermere Belties probably spoiled me. There’s even a photo of me asleep beside one of the cows I raised.
At Aldermere Farm I learned about being responsible for something other than myself. Probably most importantly, 4-H instilled in me a sense of responsibility and hard work, which definitely is needed in veterinary school. I learned if you have a goal and you work hard towards it, you can achieve it. I’m now in my last year of veterinary school. It’s challenging, but I take it one day at a time. When I think of what I’ve accomplished, I feel proud.”
“This place, and the people who also call this place home, made me who I am and instilled in me a desire to care for this land and the lives and livelihoods it supports. For me, that’s what conservation is all about.”
Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields require much-needed investment to make them safer, more efficient, and more inclusive community preserves. How do we extend access to the special experiences they offer?
We have the opportunity to enhance recreational and commercial opportunities in the Machias area and the ecological health of the Middle River by improving fish passage and restoring 300 acres of salt marsh.
