This summer the Ridgefield NWR Complex has the honor of hosting three undergraduate-level internships. These hard-working students have joined us immediately after getting through finals and are dedicating 11 to 22 weeks to working, learning, and teaching alongside staff and volunteers. While the Refuge system and its partners have a lot to show in terms of future career paths, we have even more to learn from them. They are giving us fresh perspectives and new ideas on how we approach and improve projects and engage communities in meaningful ways.
About the programs that brought them here:
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project to connect inspired, skilled, culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse young people with careers in natural resource conservation. This internship program was designed to introduce diverse college students to careers by providing hands-on work and training by natural resource professionals employed by the Service.
The Service has also partnered with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to offer one-of-a-kind, next-generation internship experiences through the Youth Employment Program (YEP). These placements are at flagship Urban National Wildlife Refuges like Ridgefield, Steigerwald Lake and Tualatin River NWR. The program seeks to help in our work to provide a welcoming environment for all visitors and build intentional relationships with historically marginalized communities. Participants have interest in community engagement work and furthering equitable practices in visitor services.
Meet our interns:
Ellie Watts
“Hi I’m Ellie! I’ve just finished my first year of college at Washington State University studying Environmental Science. I’m currently working at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge through the MANRRS program. Here I’ll be working on a wide variety of conservation and restoration projects, educational events, and outreach. I’m hoping this experience will help guide me toward a more specific career path. In my free time, I love to go hiking and golfing with friends!”
Tyler Fung
“I am a recent graduate in Environment Science Resource Management with minors in Aquatic Fishery Science and Quantitative Science. I have previously worked as a seasonal forestry technician performing multiple plant surveys and creating maps in ArcGIS for West Lolo National Forest. I am currently earning certifications in web development as well as data analytics and look forward to applying my technical skills to a variety of natural resource projects.”
Abbie Funk
“Hello! My name is Abigail, but you can call me Abbie for short. I’m coming out of my fourth year of university at Oregon State, where I’m majoring in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. I’m an intern here until November, working through the Student Conservation Association. Our days consist of exciting activities that differ throughout the week, and the variety sure keeps me on my toes! I’m definitely excited to see what this position has to offer, and what I can experience and learn. Some fun facts about me, I enjoy long walks on the beach, bad movies from the horror to the romantic, frogs, bugs, and lounging about with my cats.”
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![Updates from Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge's Carty Unit Construction! Work on the Community Nature Center is now fully in progress. While the temporary bathrooms and limited parking haven't caused major issues so far, please keep these changes in mind when you visit, especially as the nicer weather continues. Also, remember to pack water, a snack, and even a small first aid kit for your visit, no matter how long you plan to stay! 🌳💧🥪 https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield (link in the flowcode in our bio)
#RidgefieldWildlifeRefuge #NatureCenterConstruction #PlanAhead #enjoynaturesafely
[images: multiple views of the fenced-off construction area, showing dug-up dirt, and piled gravel, removed paved areas, cones, and signage]](https://ridgefieldfriends.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?x53285)