Pathways Newsletter

Marilyn Mehmke is MCC’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Liaison, working out of their Dillon Field Office (DFO), where she collaborates on project planning for MCC crews, helps with compliance and permitting, and supports MCC interns and fellows serving with the DFO. She is also an MCC alum, serving in 2022 as a Fuels and Fire Crew Member with the Central Divide office and in 2024 with Big Sky Watershed Corps. We asked her to reflect on her experience with MCC.

What drew you to MCC?

I’m interested in collaborative approaches to natural resource management, and MCC is a great example of what that can look like. With MCC building strong partnerships for 35 years, it’s been amazing to learn how to nurture cross‑organizational relationships. In my role - where much of the work involves collaborative problem‑solving - it’s rewarding to see the creative solutions and added capacity MCC brings to the BLM. That’s honestly one of the most satisfying parts of the job: creating opportunities for young people to develop while also adding capacity for our project partners. 

How did MCC help prepare you for where you are today?

MCC helped me develop both soft and hard skills I rely on every day, allowing me to apply my education in real-world settings. Additionally, the mentorship provided by staff was vital in helping me navigate difficult situations and respond with resilience. So much of an AmeriCorps term is about learning the skills of adaptability and resilience, since you’re often placed in new, challenging situations and have to learn to navigate them. I use this constantly in my work, as well as in my life generally.

MCC also showed me the importance of not being afraid to ask for help. I’ve always struggled with that, but through my MCC experience, I learned that seeking support, especially during difficult moments, is not something to avoid, but something that makes you stronger.

How would you like your story to inspire future MCC members?

I hope my story inspires more Montanans to serve with MCC, because there is so much to gain from working on landscapes you already know and feel connected to, allowing you to challenge your preconceived notions and broaden your perspective. I grew up in central Montana on my family’s farm and ranch, so feeling connected to the land has always been a natural part of my life. But serving with MCC helped me realize how different it feels to choose that connection intentionally via service. Instead of simply connecting to the land I’d known since childhood, I am actively caring for places that belong to all of us and that hold meaning for people across Montana. MCC showed me that my relationship with Montana’s landscapes doesn’t end at the boundaries of the ranch where I grew up; it’s part of a shared connection to place, responsibility, and a collective sense of purpose.

What excites you about where MCC is headed in the next 35 years?

I'm excited to see the new approaches and creative solutions that MCC develops to support our partners and strengthen our collaborative relationships. Given the complexity of today’s natural resource and conservation challenges, innovative strategies are essential for achieving good and sustainable solutions. I believe MCC is well positioned to adapt, think creatively, and continue advancing our mission while providing strong support to our partners.