The best roots taken out of the trail at Rock Bluff Springs!
ACT Natural Resource Management interns just finished their summer semester! Over the course of twelve weeks, interns learned many new skills, had a variety of land management experiences, and worked on many projects throughout the summer. Interns learned how to use hand tools, like loppers, pulaskis, council rakes, and rogue hoes, as well as power tools, like brushcutters, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws! Interns learned about prescribed fire and how to communicate on a fire line, maintained fire lines, and even were able to participate on a fire!
Throughout the semester, the interns learned how to ID many plants commonly found in North Central Florida.
The interns contributed to many projects on our preserves, including installing a handrail on the bridge and treating coral ardisia at Blue’s Creek Ravine, installing a handrail on a bridge and clearing a new trail at Santa Fe River Preserve South, treating Tropical Soda Apple at Orange Lake Overlook and lygodium at Santa Fe River Preserve South and LEAFS, removing hardwood trees around legacy longleaf pines at Saarinen, treating hardwood trees around young longleaf pines and helping to install stairs on an observation tower at Little Orange Creek, installing a new gate at Santa Fe Springs, timber cruising at Fox Pen. Additionally, interns were able to dig a grave and participate in a burial at the Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, both of which interns found to be a meaningful experience.
Blacklining on a prescribed fire!
Interns also worked with other natural resource professionals outside of ACT. At the end of June, interns assisted Florida Audubon, DEP, and FWC with annual Florida Scrub-Jay surveys by participating in Jay Watch at the Greenway Triangle in Marion County. Interns also met up with Paul Moler to look at cave crayfish at Herzog cave, and were able to help private landowners treat hardwood species on their properties and learn more about conservation of private lands.
The Summer 2023 Natural Resource Interns found meaning, community, and skill-building experiences in their time at ACT. Below, interns from this past semester share about their time in the internship:
Being able to gain real life experience in the field applying what I’ve learned in the classroom was incredibly valuable. I really enjoyed my time with ACT’s staff and my fellow interns. Every week, we worked on a project that had a direct correlation with something I’ve learned in school. The internship has been a wonderful supplemental experience to lend to my education. - Jazz, Summer ‘23 Intern, Forest Resource Conservation Major
My time at ACT drastically changed my view of conservation. As a wildlife ecology student, my world had been just animals. Through ACT, it has expanded to animals' habitats, why they’re important, and how to manage them. I gained skills like tool use and management, how to create a fireline, and pesticide use. I looked forward to every day and enjoyed the connections I made with fellow interns. This program has given me skills I know will set me up for success. - Olivia, Summer ‘23 Intern, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Major
Interns learned how to use chainsaws!
This internship has taught me a lot about fieldwork. I really enjoy how it introduced me to new tools and land management methods. Every day in the internship was valuable as we would either learn a new skill or build upon a previously learned skill. I got to meet and with other interns and ACT staff in land management practices and got to learn a lot from them. - Elizabeth, Summer ‘23 Intern, Natural Resources Conservation Major
My experience working as an intern with ACT was multidisciplinary and very hands-on. I’ve gained a variety of skills such as using power tools, applying herbicide with various techniques, participating in prescribed burns, and performing trail maintenance. Furthermore, I became familiar with the many preserves managed by ACT and witnessed the hard work that goes into their maintenance. I was fortunate to work alongside like-minded professionals in natural resource management - they gave me plenty of guidance as I navigate a career in conservation, and I will never forget my experience as an intern here. - Ryan, Summer ‘23 Intern, Biology Major
The internship was an arduous, but fun, journey through the Florida summer. It was a great learning experience that allowed me to dive head-first into the world of land management and the conservation of natural resources. As an aspiring ecological engineer, it was also a great opportunity to engage with different Florida ecosystems and be part of what I eventually want to protect. From the simple things like pulling out invasive species to the more complex things such as prescribed fire, it was an experience and a memory I will keep. The ability to do things that I would never have done on my own, such as bird surveys, felt amazing and truly deepened my connection with the wild. - Summer ‘23 Intern
Interns learned about forestry techniques to measure trees, including how to use clinometers.
My experience with the ACT internship program has prepared me for future careers in Natural Resource Conservation. Through the internship, I learned a plethora of new skills, like herbicide application, that I know will aid me in my future endeavors. Beyond the great educational aspect, the ACT internship program provided me with a safe and fun work environment that allowed me to make positive, lifelong memories. Many of the lessons I learned during my time with ACT were meaningful and I will continue to use these lessons well beyond the program. - Kiersten, Summer ‘23 Intern, Natural Resource Conservation Major
Internship applications for the Fall 2023 semester have closed, but Spring 2024 semester will open at the beginning of November and close the first Friday of December (Friday, December 1st). The Spring 2024 internship will run from the 2nd week in January through the last week in April. If you have questions about the Natural Resource Management Internship, please reach out to Amy Compare (amy@alachuaconservationtrust.org).
If you would like to support the growth and development of young natural resource professionals, consider donating to the Internship Fund In Memory of Ryan Crowder & Julia Reiskind.
