Spring 2023 Natural Resource Management Internship Review

By Amy Compare

At the end of April, ACT’s seven Natural Resource Management Interns completed their term working with ACT’s Land Management team. Collectively, the Natural Resource Management Interns contributed 1,200 over the course of four months to steward land in the region. Their contributions to ACT’s Land Management team was invaluable. Some of the major projects they completed included installing 2 kayak launches and building a bridge at Santa Fe River Preserve, restoring habitat around legacy longleaf pines at Saarinen Preserve, participating on 7 prescribed fires, removing invasive species at Blues Creek Ravine Preserve and Prairie Creek Preserve, restoring the uplands at Tuscawilla Preserve, removing barbed wire fencing at Orange Lake Overlook, and working with ACT partners to restore ephemeral wetlands creating better habitat for striped newts. Additionally, interns were able to meet with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists, learn about cave crayfish, and participate on a timber cruise!

We are grateful for the time and effort our interns put in this semester! The internship is a mutually beneficial endeavor for both ACT and the interns who participate, and interns take away a variety of things from the experience. This is what some of the interns had to say about their semester:

"Before completing my natural resource management internship with ACT, I never thought I would pursue a career in outdoor land management. Through this opportunity, I was able to build confidence in skills including chainsaw operations, invasive species removal, tree thinning, plant and wildlife ID, and prescribed fire. Having the opportunity to build confidence in outdoor land management practices through this experience has shifted my career focus with a strong love for land management."

Amy, Spring ‘23

"This semester at ACT has been an amazing experience in gaining technical land management skills along with building connections and professional skills. I have gotten to learn so much in the time that we've had that is going to help in the future with other opportunities in this field. It has been so much fun to work with everyone that the work hasn't really felt much like work at all."

Tristen, Spring ‘23

"My experience with ACT this semester has been life changing! Through this internship, I got to be hands on and learn things I never imagined myself learning and becoming confident in. Prescribed fire, chainsaw work, exotic removal, and habitat restoration are just a few of the land management techniques we learned. I also had the opportunity to work on a crew of amazing people and receive mentorship and guidance from our internship lead and other professionals at ACT. Because of this internship, I have grown professionally and personally and am better prepared for a career in conservation."

Courtney, Spring ‘23

"ACT's Natural Resource Management Internship has presented me with so many awesome opportunities. This semester has been filled with knowledge and learning. I absolutely loved everyone I've met and also loved every moment. I felt I gained real and applicable skills to a real world career in land management."

Peyton, Spring ‘23

ACT is committed to providing the space for the next generation of conservationists and land managers to grow and develop their skills. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in ACT’s Natural Resource Internship Program, you can take a look at our website (https://www.alachuaconservationtrust.org/natural-resource-internship) or direct questions to info@alachuaconservationtrust.org.

Amy Compare serves as ACT’s Natural Resources Internship Coordinator. Every semester, Amy leads a group of student interns into the wild to learn about the natural resources field and develop skills that will help them in their future conservation careers.