Interns are an invaluable part of INHF

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This article first appeared in INHF's Winter 2008 magazine.

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Brian Fankhauser/INHF

Land stewardship intern Elizabeth Ward enjoys all of nature while on the job.

INHF staff members agree that interns are instrumental in accomplishing the INHF mission. “Our interns are a valued part of our staff,” said Anita O’Gara, vice president and director of development — and former internship coordinator. “They continually bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our work. In turn, we give them lots of responsibility on their projects. They add to the image and effectiveness of INHF.”

In many cases, interns have single-handedly seen a project through from start to finish, a nod to their ability and work ethic.

O’Gara said former intern Katie Woolm “dragged me kicking into the 20th century, and convinced me we needed to have a website.” Kate eventually created our original website and even wrote a manual for the next intern on how to update it.

Interns were also key in overseeing major editorial revisions for Iowa by Trail, a guide to Iowa’s multi-use trails, and Landowner’s Options, an INHF booklet showing landowners a range of options for permanent land protection.

It’s this initiative and commitment that sets INHF interns apart and allows staff members to trust them with substantial tasks. Laurie Fenimore, Intern Coordinator, agrees. “I’m amazed by the dedication the interns exhibit every day. Whether it’s the tedium of refining maps or the excited rush of completing a major project, they perform willingly and with a smile.”

Andrea L. Zimmerman is a Drake University student and a Robert R. Buckmaster Intern at INHF.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.