Danielle Smaha

Director, Marketing and Communications

This year, more than ever, we are grateful for the support of so many people, especially those who volunteer their time and talents to support Manomet and our work. Manomet’s nearly 40 staff members working across the Western hemisphere are supported by many who volunteer to contribute to our research, assist in our offices, and help fulfill our mission.

Robert Tose, who grew up next door to Manomet’s Holmes Farm, is one of those volunteers. “I have many fond memories of playing in the fields and surrounding area. Last spring, I stopped by to help my uncle, who was maintaining part of the two blueberry orchards on the property. Still, the orchards had become mostly overgrown and could have potentially been lost forever. These heirloom bushes, planted in the 1930s, had been supplying people and birds with delicious berries for generations, and it seemed a shame to lose them.  It was one of those moments where the spirit of volunteerism just called. After almost 100 hours of hard labor of clearing poison ivy and bull thorns by hand, almost all the bushes were recovered, potentially doubling the food supply for the surrounding wildlife.”

Tose added, “In discussions with Lizzie Schueler [Manomet’s president], it became clear that the barn was in a similar state as the blueberries. I’m currently working on restoring all the doors and windows in the structure in a style consistent with the age of the building. In the end, it’s not about making money or personal gain. It’s about supporting the ideas and causes we believe in to make good things happen.”