Among environmentalists, Max Phelps considers themself a late bloomer. While many on Wildlands’ staff were raised with a strong connection to nature, it wasn’t until a high school environmental science class that Max set their sights on a conservation career. As Programming Coordinator, Max is eager to replicate that “light bulb” moment for diverse audiences across Southeastern Massachusetts.
Max grew up in Maryland and attended the University of Delaware, graduating with a major in environmental and resource economics and a minor in geology. These interdisciplinary studies, along with a summer internship researching environmental justice issues in Baltimore, expanded their thinking about conservation. “They opened me up to the human side of environmental issues, versus a strict focus on nature,” Max said. “They showed me how important it is to build positive experiences between people and the environment, so they see value in it and want to protect it. That’s how I view programming—as a way to help people form good relationships with nature.”
Despite their deep Mid-Atlantic roots, Max had always been intrigued by New England living. So when they discovered an open position with Wildlands Trust in the spring of 2023, they leapt at the opportunity to head north. Their extensive work experience in restaurants has equipped them with the versatile people, planning, and organization skills required to engage new communities in land conservation and environmental education.
In their free time, Max enjoys cooking, reading fantasy books, visiting friends in Boston, tending to their community garden plot at Davis-Douglas Farm, and spending time with their pet cat, Stubbs. Downtown Plymouth and Halfway Pond have emerged as early favorite places during their exploration of the South Shore.
