Join the Green Geek Squad: HCT seeks IT volunteers

Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) volunteers are amazing Renaissance people with remarkable skill sets and joie de vivre that lifts moods and gets things done. Whether it’s clearing trails, planting pollinator gardens or keeping the office humming, it would be impossible for HCT to operate without their outstanding contributions.

A special cadre of this swell volunteer squad keeps HCT computers running smoothly. It turns out that it takes a lot of technology to preserve and restore land! Thankfully, the HCT Information Technology (IT) team has the know-how and determination to work out the tricky computer issues that can flummox mere mortals.

As you can imagine, folks with these rare skills don’t grow on trees, even at beautiful HCT properties. So, we’re always on the lookout for volunteers who have computer systems experience to join the HCT IT team. It’s a great way to give back, have fun and work with smart and interesting folks from the community.

If you’re interested in helping HCT forge ahead into a tiptop tech future, fill out our Volunteer Interest Survey Form and check the “IT Support” box.

Upgrade on tap

The IT volunteer team is currently in the midst of an upgrade project to streamline HCT office operations. “The organization has grown and we have more people involved that have a variety of different requirements,” said Dave Callaghan, longtime IT team volunteer.

Callaghan brought significant computer systems experience to HCT, which was a boon to an organization that excelled at land conservation, preservation and restoration, but really needed help in the computing department. The upgrade will provide more flexibility for HCT computer users and enhance data security and backup capacity.

While the upgrade is moving along swimmingly, the world of computers is always changing. Staying ahead of the curve takes people power, and Callaghan would like to see additional HCT volunteers get involved. “I’m a big fan of brainstorming,” he said. “When you get people with this type of experience, and you sit down and toss ideas back and forth, you start learning from one another and you come up with a better solution.”

Most folks know that backing up computer data is a good idea. The same theory applies to people and organizations. Having a robust group of volunteers with IT experience helps HCT seamlessly navigate the increasingly complicated realm of land trust operations.

Meet the IT team

At a recent meeting of the IT team, we had the chance to sit in on a discussion about system infrastructure upgrades, server configurations, desktop replacements with a side-serving of cost estimates and possible implementation dates. It was pretty heady stuff!

What really stood out was how the team approached problem-solving: there was a true sense of camaraderie, idea sharing and a lot of laughs. Magic is afoot when smart people work together and listen to each other.

After the meeting we emailed a few questions to IT team members to get an idea of what inspired them to help HCT. So, let’s meet the members!

Katherine Epes

What’s your experience in the world of tech/computers?

Starting as a costume design major, I ended up as a history major and went to work in the book world after college. It was there I discovered my love of computers when I installed an accounting system and then an inventory control system.

I went back to school to get my masters in information systems management, then went to work in the IT world. My specialty is network design/administration, but since that involves all aspects of computing, I have become a jack of all trades. I love the puzzle of configuring, tinkering, and troubleshooting systems. I also love testing systems to see how soon I can break them!

I’ve worked for IBM, Ernst & Young, the World Bank, and an internet start-up, then started my own company in 2000.

Why do you like volunteering your tech skills for HCT?

I do Nordic walking with the Cape Cod Nordic Walking Club (I helped with their new website), most often on HCT trails. My favorite is Bell’s Neck, especially in the spring when the swans begin to swim around with their cygnets following behind them. Our daughters often take their dog to Thompson’s Field or the new Cold Brook site. We are all grateful for the enjoyment and peace we get from these sites.

I retired in 2023 and was looking for organizations on the Cape that could use my skills. Volunteering for HCT allows me to pay back for the pleasure I get on these walks and our daughters get on their hikes.  My skill set is relatively unusual, and it is a pleasure to share it with HCT.

What do you love about Harwich?

What’s not to love? We’ve been coming to the Cape for many years and mostly stayed on the Lower Cape. Harwich is our favorite because it is relaxed, has an abundance of resources, and the friendliest people. It is easy for our daughters who live in Boston to get down for a quick weekend or a longer break. And my husband and I drive up from Washington, DC, like it was only a few miles away. We are looking forward to spending more time once he retires. As for me, I sneak up whenever I can because it is my happy place!

Mike Olgren

What’s your experience in the world of tech/computers?

I have been a “geek” my entire life. My first computer was a 12 lb. Zenith laptop. I have taught myself basic computer hardware and software operations, and have built a couple of home computers on my own.

My only formal training was obtaining a master’s degree in medical informatics. I am a retired emergency physician who spent the last 7 years of my career as a chief medical information officer, where I spent time assisting in the design and configuration of the electronic medical record (EMR). I also tried to teach physicians and other medical personnel how to use the EMR.

Why do you like volunteering your tech skills for HCT?

I enjoy playing a minor role on the HCT IT team because it gives me a chance to continue to learn technology. I also strongly believe in the mission of HCT and feel this is the best way I can help support that mission.

What do you love about Harwich?

My wife and I moved to Harwich from Michigan almost 6 years ago. She grew up here, and our return was due to a desire to be closer to her family and assist her aging parents. I enjoy the year-round activities available, even during the “quiet” off-season.

Chris Watson

Chris provided this lively look at his sometimes-bumpy journey into the world of computers:

Chris studied computer science in college, back in the day when coding meant feeding a stack of cardboard punch cards into a mainframe, waiting in the student queue for the computer to spit back multiple errors, and repeating this over many days until finally achieving the desired results. He soon vowed to avoid computers forever.

The dawn of personal computers and word-processing software allowed him to reevaluate; he revoked his vow and started again down the path of computer geekness. He then branched off into developing and automating spreadsheets and databases. Later, when he was exposed to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), these skills facilitated the merger of his childhood hobby of studying maps and the emerging technology of geospatial databases.

Chris is currently a Research Fellow at UMass Boston’s School for the Environment, specializing in GIS. His research focus includes coastal flooding, environmental justice, and adaptation to the climate catastrophe. He is also a private consultant providing GIS, database, IT, and data-wrangling support, primarily to non-profit advocacy organizations.

Why do you like volunteering your tech skills for HCT?

I always enjoy tutoring and mentoring. Volunteering my tech skills allows me to share my GIS and tech skills with HCT staff and volunteers.

What do you love about Harwich?

What I love about Harwich is access to the open spaces provided by HCT, the town’s conservation commission and the state, riding on the bike path, mountain biking at Hawksnest, paddling in the Bell’s Neck waterways, and listening to amazing music at the CranJam and Cranfest in the Courtyard concerts.

Dave Callaghan

What’s your experience in the world of tech/computers?

—First computer class at age 16. The love began.
—Computer Science major undergrad.
—Professional student through PhD.
—College professor for 11 years: accounting and information technology.
—College administrator: Director of Academic Computing for 7 years at the dawn of the internet and wired campuses.
—Director, then Associate VP, of Information Technology for book and magazine publishers for 10 years.
—Traveling consultant for Fortune 1000 companies for 5 years.

Why do you like volunteering your tech skills for HCT?

Their mission of saving land has been a personal goal since my early college years. The organization is flexible and very appreciative. When I see a way I can help, I enjoy giving back as my working career left me with very little time to do so.

What do you love about Harwich?

I like to say, I’ve been in Harwich every summer except two since before I was born. As a free-range teen in the 60s, there are a lot of very strong memories of some really stupid teenage boy stunts. (None of which can be repeated except with the people who were also there). In college I would spend all my breaks at the Cape, most of which were without my parents. As far as I was concerned, Harwich is home.

Interested in Volunteering with the Intrepid IT Team?

If you’re a computer aficionado with a hankering to help out HCT, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Survey Form and check the “IT Support” box.

We’ll follow up to have a chat about how your computing chops can make a difference.

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.