The Conservancy’s internship program gives these individuals field experience that helps them to determine the best career path within their areas of interest. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, and we could not be more grateful for their efforts. You can learn more about each of them below.
The work of the crew includes a variety of habitat restoration activities, including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, boundary posting, firebreak construction, and general clean-up. They're fortunate to have land manager Levi Plath and restoration coordinator Siena Muehlfeld as their mentors for the summer!
Beyond the technical skills and experience gained, the interns also work in a variety of ecosystems, and they have opportunities to meet with landowners and representatives from other conservation agencies.
We look forward to sharing stories of their accomplishments later this summer.
Blake Olson
Howdy! My name is Blake Olson, and I am a La Crosse native. I completed my undergrad studies at UW-Madison majoring in Conservation Biology and Geography. I am back in La Crosse to apply my knowledge to the beautiful bluffs and the Mississippi Valley and learn as much as I can in the process!
Alex Duren
My name is Alex Duren and I'm a GIS major at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. This will be my second year with the Summer Land Management Intern crew. Last summer, I really enjoyed the work and the camaraderie that comes with the Summer crew. When I'm not working, I enjoy fly fishing, spending time with my friends, and traveling.
Calvin Brown
Hi, my name is Calvin Brown. I am a senior studying biology and engineering at Viterbo University in La Crosse. In my spare time, I am an avid outdoorsman who has come to greatly appreciate what the waters and bluffs of the La Crosse area have to offer. One day I hope to have a career in natural resource management.