Center: Planting prairie in 2003, Left and Right: Prairie plants a few years later
Photos by: Jenny Pletz, Briana Meier, and Fawn Houck

Natural Areas interns learn about, and participate in, many aspects of the project including:

• teaching children about the land
• weeding
• removing invasive species
• creating signage
• planting
• mulching
• woodchipping
• creating guides
• assisting with outreach events and celebrations
• leading crews of volunteers in restoration and maintenance activities
• working with Farm and Field youth groups
• educating others about flora and fauna

Why Do They Love It?

Natural Areas interns learned through hands-on experience what it means to restore and maintain prairie and natural areas.  They walked away with the ability to identify invasive species and blooming wildflowers, learned about the benefits of prescribed burning, got involved in the community outreach, and gained experience in environmental education and leadership. Here's what they wrote about their experience:

“This internship affected me so much.  I learned to love, appreciate, and praise this piece of land known as Troy Gardens.  I also learned that it is difficult to manage something so beautiful and that it takes truly gifted and understanding person to do so.  I love the versatility of the job.  I know that this internship gave me the exact skills I needed to pursue and succeed at my first, real job.  I am so grateful to have been able to intern here and will continue my career in the environmental sciences.”