Nigel Bates (he/him) is the Field Supervisor for GMC’s Backcountry Caretaker Program. In this role, he is the first line of office-based support for caretakers working on the Long Trail. He also serves as the first line of defense for privy-related emergencies.
Nigel’s enthusiasm for trails began with a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2017, shortly after he graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts. After a year spent working in environmental education in the Sierra Nevada, Nigel returned to New England as GMC’s Lead Caretaker on Mount Mansfield. He then transitioned into the office, where he is entering his third year supervising the caretaker program. His favorite part of the job is the psychological aspect of predicting human behavior in the backcountry, which plays a key role in both trail maintenance and educational messaging.
Outside of work, Nigel is a competitive trail runner and enjoys the challenge of moving efficiently through the rugged terrain of Vermont and New Hampshire. However, he also likes to slow down and appreciate the birds, plants, and other creatures that make these landscapes so special.
Written by Nigel:
