Charlie McCabe
We’re excited to re-launch our Volunteer Spotlight series! We could not do what we do without the incredible work of our devoted volunteers.
Learn more about one of our wonderful volunteers, Charlie, below!
Name: Charlie McCabe
Town: Melrose, MA
Originally from the Boston area, Charlie McCabe has lived across the country in cities in Oklahoma, Texas, New York, and more. Now back east in Melrose, Charlie works as a consultant in the realm of parks, open space, and placemaking.
Charlie has volunteered with Friends of the Fells since 2016 and has worked in the parks and open spaces world for 17 years. As a long time Trail Adopter, Charlie loves seeing who is outside using the Fells and watching the forest change throughout the seasons while he volunteers.
Trail Adopters play an important role in identifying and reporting issues in the Fells and keeping trails clean, clear, and easily navigated so they can be enjoyed by all. As Adopters keep trails accessible by trimming branches and vegetation blocking the trail, they also improve visitor safety by reporting issues in the Fells such as trees blocking the trail, nearby deadfalls, drainage, and erosion problems.
“When you see a resource like the Fells that has been around for some time and you see a need for support to protect the space, you want to give back and see what you can do to help,” Charlie says about what first drew him to volunteer as a Trail Adopter. “[It’s] a good way to give back. You feel you’re doing a little part to help out.”
Charlie’s favorite part of the Fells is the Cascade. He remembers last July when we had fourteen inches of rain (a polar opposite July from this year’s!) and how the Cascade was rich with overflowing water. “That’s one of the amazing things about the Fells – its capacity to hold and contain water,” Charlie says.
Charlie recommends jumping right into any volunteer work. “If you’re interested in learning more about the park and learning more, don’t hold back. Just get out there and do it!”
Thank you, Charlie, for all your time and hard work to keep the Fells safe and clean for years to come!
Interested in volunteering? Learn more here.