Where Are They Now? Catching up with former HCT staffer Tyler Maikath

A wonderful parade of talented and dedicated people have spent part of their careers on the Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) team. Their efforts have helped HCT become a leader in creating public-private land conservation partnerships that help sustain Harwich as a livable, vibrant community for current and future generations.

Former Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator Tyler Maikath and his son, Heath Maikath. Tyler reports that he and his partner, Ellen, are “super thrilled” to be parents. Photo courtesy Tyler Maikath

We thought it would be fun to catch up with some of these HCT alums, reminisce about their experiences in Harwich and find out what they’re up to now. The first to arrive at our ongoing reunion is Tyler Maikath, HCT’s Outreach & Stewardship Coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

Tyler spent his childhood days in Mashpee, where he developed an interest in conservation at a young age. As a child, he and his family visited state and national parks. Later on, with friends and as a Boy Scout, he went on camping, hiking and rafting trips, eventually discovering the White Mountains, one of his favorite places. He is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and holds a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch University.

We reached out to Tyler by email and he was kind enough to thoughtfully respond to questions about his career and his time with HCT:

When were you at HCT and what did you do?

I have many fond memories of HCT and think about my time there often. I was the Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator for Harwich Conservation Trust and Dennis Conservation Land Trust in a split-time full-time role from Jan. 2018 to March 2021.

My role was focused on working with volunteers on land management and habitat improvement projects, monitoring of HCT properties, co-organizing the Herring Count and Tour de Trash, and organizing Winter Talks, amongst other fun things!

I also supervised our AmeriCorps Cape Cod members serving with HCT and the Town of Harwich. The diversity of experiences and challenges in my role honed my problem-solving skills and built my confidence as a conservation professional. Of course, the work was very interesting as well, particularly participating in ecological restoration planning and management at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve and Muddy Creek Headwaters Preserve.

Tyler Maikath during his days as Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator. Harwich Conservation Trust photo

I was very fortunate to work with the utterly amazing community of volunteers and staff at HCT and am particularly thankful for Executive Director Mike Lach’s support and mentorship.

What do you do now?

In 2021, I moved to Warwick, Rhode Island and worked for the South Kingstown Land Trust, another well-regarded land trust. Currently, I am a Stewardship Planner for the Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and I have been in this role since 2023. My role is to work with farmers and landowners on their permanently preserved farmland.

I am passionate about working alongside farmers and land stewards. Not having my own background in farming, I’ve learned a great deal about agricultural practices, challenges, and opportunities. The Department is also a collaborative work environment so I’ve had opportunities to review grant applications and to contribute to other Department projects and priorities.

My love of wildlife and conservation has led me to join the boards of the Rhode Island Land Trust Council and the Warwick Land Trust, where I am very honored to serve.

Why is preserving nature important to you?

I grew up in Mashpee and being a kid in the 80s and 90s on the Cape gave me a first-hand understanding of the intense development pressures that the natural areas of the Cape faced and continue to.

Photo gallery

In the fall of 2019, Tyler Maikath, dedicated HCT volunteers and AmeriCorps installed an osprey nesting platform on salt marsh tucked behind Red River Beach donated to HCT by the Sidel family. And the great news is that a nesting pair of ospreys took up residence. Well done Tyler and team!

—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.