Volunteer Story: The SCA Dream Team Leaves Their Mark at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP

The Winter 2024 SCA volunteers.

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For three short weeks, a remarkable team of Student Conservation Association (SCA) interns brought their skills, teamwork, and boundless energy to Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Hailing from across the country, this group included:

• Timothy Crawford (PG County, MD)
• Danielle Bohannon (Battle Creek, MI)
• Nicole Caracappa (West Caldwell, NJ)
• Remington Relick (Fuquay-Varina, NC)
• Katharine Tracy (Providence, RI)

As part of their internship, this dedicated crew traveled to a variety of parks, engaging in historic restoration and general park maintenance. Their journey spanned sites like Stone's River and Fort McHenry, where they tackled invasive species removal, split rail fence repair, and much more. The team has been together since June 17th, and they say the bond they've formed has been one of the best parts of their experience."

When asked what they liked best about their working experience, the team expressed appreciation for parks with smaller staff, saying it fosters a close-knit sense of community. At Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania, they felt fully integrated and valued as part of our team.

During their three weeks with us, the SCA interns took on two transformative projects:

• Smoothing trip hazards and replacing decaying bricks at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center.
• Clearing overgrown vegetation from Chatham’s river-facing hills, restoring the breathtaking viewshed.

When their major bricklaying task was complete, this proactive crew sought out more opportunities to help. Their hard work, sunny dispositions, and team spirit made a lasting impression.

Our park is truly grateful for their contributions and wish Timothy, Danielle, Nicole, Remington, and Katharine all the best. You'll always have a home at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP!