Meet the Summer 2022 Land Stewardship Interns!
By Mack Swenson on June 20, 2022 in Blog
Please join INHF in giving a warm welcome to our 17 land stewardship interns for the summer!
Loess Hills Land Stewardship Interns
Nick Goodell
Hometown: Williamsburg, IA
Favorite native plant/animal: Sycamore Tree
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Forestry
“I am excited to learn more about native prairie plants, along with prescribed fire on the landscape.”
Kaley Hubbard
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Favorite native plant/animal: Pasque Flower, River Otter
University: University of Nebraska Omaha
Major(s): Environmental Science
Minor(s): Sustainability
“[I look forward to] getting to travel to different areas of Iowa and learn more about protecting Iowa’s natural resources.”
AJ Lass
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Favorite native plant/animal: Red Oak and Hackberry
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Forestry
Minor(s): Animal Ecology and Military Science
"[I'm looking forward to] using saws and fire to let nature get back to doing its thing unimpeded."
Central Iowa Land Stewardship Interns
Brady Chiles
Hometown: Altoona, Iowa
Favorite native plant/animal: Wild Bergamot, Sandhill Crane
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Animal Ecology
Minor(s): Forestry
“I am excited to see some of the hidden gems of Iowa, and take part in nurturing them. As well as picking up some practical experience along the way.”
Megan Dague
Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
Favorite native plant/animal: Swamp Milkweed
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Animal Ecology
“I’m looking forward to building on my knowledge and learning new skills that I can use in my future. Also excited to see all the amazing places in Iowa with all the native species.”
Caleb Kuiper
Hometown: Grundy Center, IA
Favorite native plant/animal: American Sycamore
University: Central College
Major(s): Biology
“I’m most excited to learn how to transform an area back to its more productive former glory. I want to take what I learn from INHF and apply it to my own land in the future!”
Allyson Pohren
Hometown: Lockridge, Iowa
Favorite native plant/animal: Prairie Blazing Star, Northern Cardinal
University: Des Moines Area Community College
Major(s): Environmental Science
Minor(s): French
“I am excited to explore and make a difference across Iowa over the course of the summer.”
Makenna Rhodes
Hometown: Pleasant Hill
Favorite native plant/animal: Northern Cardinal
University: Central College
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Minor(s): Biology
“I am looking forward to learning more about Iowa's landscapes and making an impact on them.”
Lauren Walters
Hometown: Ankeny, Iowa
Favorite native plant/animal: White Waterlily, American Bullfrog
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Environmental Science
Minor(s): Geology, Forestry, and Animal Ecology
“I am excited to gain field experience and have hands-on learning opportunities. INHF will give me valuable skills that I hope to use for the rest of my life.”
Eastern Iowa Land Stewardship Interns
Kyle Bentley
Hometown: Tipton, IA
Favorite native plant/animal: Bur Oak
University: University of Iowa
Major(s): Environmental Science – Bioscience Track
“I am most looking forward to learning more plant ID and stewardship techniques.”
Alex Branham
Hometown: Moline, IL
Favorite native plant/animal: Black Eyed Susan
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Environmental Science
Minor(s): Sustainability
“I am most excited about learning more about native plants and the management for prairies. I am also exited to help restore our prairies in Iowa.”
Ellie Madson
Hometown: Jefferson, IA
Favorite native plant/animal: Wood Lily
University: University of Iowa
Major(s): Public Health – Occupational and Environmental Health Track
“I’m excited to learn about conservation and how to make a prairie sustainable. I also want to work to know the various steps taken by conservation organizations to protect the land.”
Blufflands Land Stewardship Interns
Janet Borchardt
Hometown: Clarksville, IA
Favorite native plant/animal: Compass Plant
University: Luther College
Major(s): Biology
Minor(s): Environmental Science and Environmental Studies
“I’m excited to make a positive impact on the blufflands and learn all about natural areas in this beautiful part of Iowa!”
Matt Butler
Hometown: Riverside, IA
Favorite native plant/animal: Bastard Toadflax
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Global Resource Systems and Animal Ecology
“I am super pumped to learn about the native ecosystems, improve my identification skills hangout in Iowa's driftless area, and fully experience the land stewardship field!”
Riley Marble
Hometown: Eden Prairie, MN
Favorite native plant/animal: Showy Lady Slippers
University: Luther College
Major(s): Anthropology and Environmental Studies
Minor(s): History
“[I look forward to] getting some in the field experience and getting to learn the multitude of aspects that make up a foundation like INHF.”
Celia Neuzil
Hometown: Calmar, Iowa
Favorite native plant/animal: Dutchman’s Breeches
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Animal Ecology and Environmental Science
“I’m looking forward to expanding my skills and knowledge in the fields of ecology and conservation, building connections, and enacting my revenge on wild parsnip.”
Zach Starbuck
Hometown: Dike, Iowa
Favorite native plant/animal: Whitetail Deer
University: Iowa State University
Major(s): Biology
Minor(s): Environmental Studies
“I am most excited about learning more about native plants and animals all over the Blufflands area. I grew up visiting this area quite often, and the Northeastern region of Iowa is something very special to learn about!”