QUEST Scholars: Cora Lohkamp ’26 and Lila Rubano ’26 Lead Meaningful Environmental Service and Community Impact

Through QUEST, students complete at least 150 hours of service over three years, keep a service-learning journal each year, and deliver a final presentation reflecting on their work and what they’ve learned.

 

Cora’s QUEST project focused on conservation efforts at Brandywine Creek State Park. Over several years, she worked to remove invasive plant species—including multiflora rose, burning bush, and garlic mustard—while helping keep trails clean and accessible for visitors. Cora also volunteered at the park’s Enchanted Meadows Halloween event and supported youth camps, helping encourage more young people to spend time outdoors while learning about the environment.

 

Lila’s QUEST project centered on connecting younger children with nature. She volunteered with programs at Ashland Nature Center, Coverdale Farm Preserve, and Brandywine Creek, organizing outdoor activities such as scavenger hunts, fishing, plant identification, guided trail walks, arts and crafts, and cooking lessons. Through her work, Lila helped create engaging outdoor experiences that encouraged children to explore and appreciate the natural world. She also helped keep the trails clean and free from invasive species.

 

Through their experience, Cora and Lila learned that parks rely heavily on volunteers, that invasive species and litter remain ongoing challenges in natural spaces, and that creating meaningful outdoor experiences for young children can help build lifelong connections to nature.

 

Great work, Cora and Lila!