Meet Elijah Valentine, CCF’s Land Stewardship Technician

We are excited to introduce Elijah (Eli) Valentine, who joined the Chatham Conservation Foundation team in January as our Land Stewardship Technician. Eli has expanded the Foundation’s capacity for land stewardship, making ambitious projects like the Ecological and Public Value Assessment possible. Here, Eli shares a bit about himself and his work at CCF.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!

I was born and raised in central Massachusetts, in a small town outside Worcester. I attended the University of Rhode Island, where I majored in Marine Biology and Wildlife & Conservation Biology. Since then, I’ve lived in Rhode Island, working in various conservation roles, but I’m excited to return to my home state! Even outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors—camping, skiing, hiking, or just relaxing at the beach.

Q: Why did you join CCF? 

Since childhood, my grandmother rented a house by Forest Beach in Chatham every summer. That’s where I fell in love with the ocean and first learned to sail. Chatham has always been a special place to me, so joining CCF was an opportunity to care for the land that inspired my career in conservation. Plus, as a land steward, I get to work outside every day—a perfect fit for me.

Q: What project are you most excited about this spring or summer at CCF? 

I’m particularly excited to help document rare species sightings and vernal pools as part of a new pledge with the Dennis Conservation Land Trust. Observing amphibians and other important species is one of my favorite activities. At my previous job, I even taught a vernal pool class, so it’s great to return to this critical habitat work. Being in Chatham allows me to see firsthand how the landscape changes with the seasons, which is incredibly rewarding.

Eli’s enthusiasm and expertise are already making a difference at CCF. We look forward to seeing the impact of his work as we continue to protect and care for Chatham’s lands.

Photo by Julie Baca