The Nature Conservancy

Duration: 35 hours per week, mid May – August 29, 2008

Location: Northampton, MA (with travel throughout the Connecticut River Basin)

Position Title: Floodplain Forest Ecology Intern
The Nature Conservancy’s Connecticut River Program aims to conserve and restore ecological functions to the Connecticut River, its main tributaries and associated terrestrial ecosystems. Floodplain forests contribute greatly to river ecosystem functioning, yet are among the most threatened habitats. The floodplain forest ecology intern will assist in field research investigating the factors determining abundance, distribution, and recruitment dynamics of key floodplain species. Results from this study will be used to develop flow prescriptions and land management strategies that promote healthy floodplain forests.

Housing: Housing will not be provided. Students are responsible for finding their own housing.

For more info: The Nature Conservancy  /  The Connecticut River Program

Description:

• Assist in surveying vegetation and micro-topography along transects in floodplain forests.
• Assist in coring of selected trees and tree-ring analysis of cores.
• Assist in monitoring seed production and dispersal of floodplain plants.
• Some data entry and other office work on days that are too rainy for field work.

Research and Education:

• Knowledge of New England flora.
• Training using plant keys.

Qualifications:
Educational background in natural sciences; commitment to conservation; comfortable working outdoors under physically demanding circumstances; prior experience with botanical field work desirable; valid driver’s license and canoeing ability helpful, but not essential.

Funding: $4200
Available through the Center for the Environment Summer Leadership Fellowship Program; see application instructions.
The Nature Conservancy will reimburse the interns for mileage and other travel costs.

Requirements:
Along with the Universal Application students must submit a cover letter describing their interests, experiences, and how this internship fits their career interest, a resume and three references with contact information.

About the Organization:

The Mission of The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy's mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

Our Approach
We have developed a strategic, science-based planning process, called Conservation by Design, which helps us identify the highest-priority places—landscapes and seascapes that, if conserved, promise to ensure biodiversity over the long term.
In other words, Conservation by Design allows us to achieve meaningful, lasting conservation results.

The Nature Conservancy's Conservation Initiatives
The Nature Conservancy has six priority conservation initiatives to address the principal threats to conservation at the sites where we work, focusing on fire, climate change, freshwater, marine, invasive species, protected areas and forests.

Our Methods, Tools and Techniques
How can The Nature Conservancy protect all of these places?
We can't buy them all, and we certainly can't protect them single-handedly. But by joining together with communities, businesses, governments, partner organizations, indigenous people and communities, and people like you, we can preserve our lands and waters for future generations to use and enjoy.