Essai Calderon

Builder

Essai brings a strong connection to the land and a hands-on work ethic to the team. Growing up in Puerto Rico, he developed a deep understanding of working landscapes through his background in agriculture—learning soil management, land stewardship, and the value of hard, consistent work in outdoor environments.

After moving stateside, Essai joined an AmeriCorps program in West Virginia, where he was introduced to trail building and natural resource work. There, he gained foundational experience in hand-built trail techniques, crew collaboration, and sustainable trail design principles. His positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic make him a valuable addition to the team both on and off the job site.