The three Interns spent a mixture of their time helping out at Ruffner, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, Red Mountain Park, and at offsite event and programs at Homewood Public Library, Centerpoint Public Library, and Irondale City Hall.
David Lewis, the Land Management Intern, primary assisted with invasive species management at all three locations. He learned how to mechanically remove invasives, and herbicide application techniques such as broad cast spraying, foliar, and hack and squirt. David also assisted with Bird Banding a Ruffner, volunteer groups, plant propagation, and site assessments.
Hannah Jones, a Tuscaloosa native, is a graduating senior at UAB majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Public Health. This summer, Hannah served as the Jefferson County Greenways Environmental Education and Wildlife Care intern. She was an invaluable asset to the program team, assisting and co-teaching various activities, including three field trips, six community partner programs, three outreach programs, five public programs, and four volunteer workdays. In total, she interacted with approximately 826 program participants and visitors. Hannah also gained essential wildlife care skills, including feeding, cleaning, and educating others about Alabama native animals such as snakes, turtles, and raptors. Her experience has inspired her to pursue a career in the environmental or environmental health field.
Saranda Blythe, our Conservation Research intern, worked with our Conservation Director primarily on conducting weekly MAPS Bird Banding at Ruffner Mountain. She also assisted with managing data from those efforts and assisting with reporting.
Cawaco Offers internship opportunities to nonprofits or school for interns. We will pay $1000 per intern. Interested? Call Patti Pennington at 205-623-0457 to apply. Funds are not given upfront; this is a reimbursable grant and documentation must be submitted prior to payment.