Meet INHF's 2025 Summer Interns
Posted on June 19, 2025 at 2:45 PM by INHF Author
Meet our 2025 summer interns! With 19 interns out in the field and three in the Des Moines office, INHF is pleased to introduce this group of young hands and voices making a difference this summer.
Central Iowa Land Stewardship Interns
William Hoffmann
Hometown: Castroville, Texas
Favorite native plant: Eastern White Pine
University: Washington State University
Major(s): Forest Ecology and Management
Minor(s): GIS Systems
“I am most looking forward to gaining hands-on experience with land stewardship and exploring Iowa’s natural beauty.”
Jackson Arnold
Hometown: Flossmoor, Illinois
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Turkey Vulture
University: Coe College
Major(s): Environmental Science, Biology
Minor(s): Sociology
“I’m definitely looking forward to learning more about what goes into restoring prairies here in Iowa as well as forming strong meaning connections with the people I’m working with.”
Jake Sturtz
Hometown: Cedar Rapids
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Eastern Screech Owl
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Forestry
“I’m excited to learn both about Iowa’s native plant species as well as learning better methods of caring for the land. I am also looking forward to making connections with both my peers and supervisors at INHF.”
Mac Payne
Hometown: Ottumwa, IA
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: White-tailed Deer
University: Central College
Major(s): Environmental Studies
“Spending time learning about chainsaw techniques and getting some felling practice”
Delaney Graef
Hometown: Frankfort, IL
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Bur Oak
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Forestry
Minor(s): Political Science
“I am most excited to learn more about Prairie species! In addition, acquire more skills running chainsaws. But, most of all I am thrilled to better Iowa’s lands for generations to come.”
Paige Cmelik
Hometown: Panora, IA
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Pie-billed Grebe
University: University of South Dakota
Major(s): Biology with Conservation and Biodiversity Specialization.
Minor(s): Earth Science
“I’m most excited to learn native and invasive species, land management practices and most importantly build connections and friendships with others who enjoy and appreciate nature and have a passion for conservation. “
Seth Breeding
Hometown: Winterset, Iowa
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Timber Rattlesnake
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Animal Ecology
“Working on unique landscapes across the state that aren’t accessible to most people. Learning more about the proper techniques to manage invasive species for long term. Also looking forward to helping restore Iowa’s native ecosystem and natural landscape.”
Blufflands Land Stewardship Interns
Carter Johnson
Hometown: Cresco, IA
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Prairie Blazing Star/Wood Duck
University: Coe College
Major(s): Environmental Studies
“I’m excited to deepen my knowledge of conservation while connecting with others who share the same passion here in Iowa. I’m also looking forward to exploring the beautiful natural sites I’ve never seen before.”
Aaron Joseph Harvey
Hometown: Washington, IA
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: American Kestrel
University: Upper Iowa University
Major(s): Conservation Management
“I am most excited for the opportunity to learn new iowa species and practice various management techniques and strategies.”
Maddux Shockey
Hometown: Freeport, Illinois
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Great Blue Lobelia
University: Luther College
Major(s): Environmental Policy
“I am most excited for the ability to meet new people and form connections. I know I will meet amazing people and I am so excited for that!”
Lydia Oetker
Hometown: Roland, Iowa
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Short-eared Owl and a Sycamore
University: Upper Iowa University
Major(s): Conservation Management
“I am so excited to get more familiar with the native plants and to get more repetition on the identification. I am also very excited to be spending the summer outdoors with people of the same interests as me.”
Belle Wagner
Hometown: Medina, Ohio
Favorite Iowa Plant: Yellow Lady’s Slipper Orchid
University: Upper Iowa University
Major: Conservation Management
“I am super excited to get to meet new people, as well as to learn about all of Iowa’s plants and animals.”
Shawn Gilson
Hometown: Elgin, IA
Favorite Iowa Animal: Bald Eagle
University: Upper Iowa University
Major: Conservation Management
“I am excited about chainsaw work”
Eastern Iowa Land Stewardship Interns
Anna Elizabeth Deutmeyer
Hometown: Earlville, Iowa
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Bur Oak or Barred Owl
University: University of Iowa
Major: Sustainability Science
“I am most excited for becoming proficient in plant ID as well as seeing and helping restore all the different ecosystems Iowa has to offer.”
Talula Monk
Hometown: Polk City, IA
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Bobolink
University: University of Iowa
Major(s): Biology, Environmental Science
Minor(s): Spanish
“I am excited to learn more about native and invasive species and their impact on the ecosystem while exploring different parts of Iowa.”
Abby Elsbernd
Hometown: Waukee, IA and Bettendorf, IA
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Prairie Crayfish or Butterfly Milkweed!
University: Grinnell College
Major(s): Biology and Anthropology
“I am most excited to bear witness to and help restore some of Iowa’s natural hidden gems across the state while learning alongside new connections!”
Loess Hills Land Stewardship Interns
Cadence Honker
Hometown: Castle Rock, Colorado
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Eastern Bluebird
University: Creighton University
Major: Environmental Science
Minor: Spanish
“I’m excited to spend the summer outside, doing meaningful work, and gaining lots of experience.”
Bradley Michael McHugh
Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
Favorite Iowa Plant/ Animal: Purple Prairie Clover
University: South Dakota State University
Major(s): Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Minor(s): Botany, Rangeland Ecology and Management
“I am most excited to complete some of my Wild-land Fire Certifications; S-190, S-130, and S-212; nearly all completed at this point. I am looking forward to obtaining further prescribed fire and sawyer experience over the course of the Summer.”
Evan Orme
Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Red-Winged Blackbird
University: Drake University
Major(s): Environmental Science; Philosophy
“I’m looking forward to working outside, learning land conservation practices, and meeting lots of folks in the conservation field!”
Des Moines Based Interns
Achilles Seastrom | Communications Intern
Hometown: Abilene, KS
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Big Bluestem
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Creative Writing and Environment, MFA
“I’m excited to gain practical experience with conservation efforts and to learn more about conservation networks operating within Iowa.”
Sophia Qureshi | Graphic Design Intern
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Rattlesnake Master
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Graphic Design
Minor(s): Business
“I have always been more of a passive environmentalist, so I am excited to learn more about conservation in practice!”
Archer Bouslog | Conservation Programs Intern
Hometown: Des Moines
Favorite Iowa plant/animal: Cope’s gray treefrog
University: University of Iowa
Major(s): Environmental Science, Creative Writing
“I’m looking forward to learning the ins and outs of grant writing, especially in a conservation/environmental context. I’m also excited to meet new people, and learn about all of the different roles within INHF!”
