Long-lasting Partnerships
The history of the Wild Rivers Conservancy Internship Program
Wild Rivers Conservancy of St. Croix & Namekagon Mission
Map showing the location of Wild Rivers Conservancy and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Click on the map to explore it more closely!
Wild Rivers Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway . We inspire stewardship to forever ensure the rare ecological integrity of the St. Croix and Namekagon Riverway. Thanks to our supporters, we work throughout the watershed to protect and enhance this national park that flows through its heart.
Wild Rivers Conservancy's three core focus areas are:
- Land Conservation
- Stewardship
- Outdoor Education
History of the Internship Program
Since 2014, the Summer Internship Program at Wild River Conservancy of St. Croix & Namekagon has been hugely successful in building the much-needed capacity for both Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which is part of the National Park Service (NPS) managed lands. The internship program is designed to give future conservation leaders practical skills and experience in the conservation field while creating pathways to pursue educational and career opportunities in the outdoors. The impact of this program is significant and far reaching, evident by the expansion of program offerings, the number of applicants each year, and the dollar value of the hours devoted to the program.
Estimated intern hours and value of their work from the past 10 years!
The Vision
The internship program would never have existed without Wild Rivers Conservancy’s first Executive Director Deb Ryun, who served from 2009-2024, and former NPS Chief of Interpretation Julie Galonska, who is currently the Superintendent of Lowell National Historical Park. Together, these women created the internship program and the partnership between the Conservancy and NPS to solve a seasonal staffing problem during federal sequestration. According to Julie, “On the park service side, we had been talking about the idea of a park based internship program for a while, a couple of years. At the same time, Wild Rivers Conservancy had started to really build up what they were doing. We were building our partnership [and] Deb and I started speaking. What if we tried this? Do we have support on both sides? One thing led to another.” Both the Conservancy and the Parks Service were able to meet their goals through building a partnership based on mutual benefit and respect.
Early Days
While these leaders were trail-blazing the new program, they ran up against both financial and logistical challenges. In order to be successful, they “had to create something on the cheek,” says Deb Ryun. Interns were hired by the Conservancy and were embedded volunteers for the NPS, working on projects for both partners. They wanted to make sure interns had a safety net so they also set up reimbursements for costs of living. Julie Galonska says a major focus from the beginning was “How can we provide some value built into this internship?” Along with making sure it was a paid opportunity, they wanted to make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for professional growth and continued education with tuition reimbursements. “We were pretty intentional about making it a cohort and bringing interns together outside of their respective internships to do activities or learning that was more general. We did how to write a federal resume or apply to a federal job. Go out on a river trip. Being able to sort of step away from day to day work and have some time to get to know fellow interns and reflect in a different setting,” Julie fondly remembers.
Recruitment was another hurdle to be overcome in the first year. Reaching out to personal connections and recruitment centers of local colleges helped spread the word to young professionals about this new internship opportunity. The result of overcoming all the many challenges was six interns in 2014 from various fields, including art, who were interested in conservation work. By the end of the summer, the interns had impressed their supervisors with their enthusiasm and skills and the program continued, all parties confident in the value of the hard work of all interns.
The first cohort of interns in 2014 with Andrea from NPS.
Program Success
From there, the internship took off, with most years averaging around seven interns, but some years had as many as nine to eleven! According to Deb, the internship program is so successful because of what the program offers to interns. Thanks to the partnership with the National Park Service, interns are offered a job that comes with prestige and experience working for the federal government, which gives them career connections. They also get to see what working for a non-profit organization in conservation is like. The program has also expanded with more partnerships and networking opportunities. Interns have performed projects such as fish electro shocking, invasive zebra mussel surveys, bat monitoring, etc with partners such as US Fish & Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources of Wisconsin and Minnesota. To explore more projects and partners, read the poster below highlighting these partnerships and/or watch a video of interns helping with trout surveys.
Intern Logan Planer (black bill cap, white t-shirt and brown waders) trout shocking with WI DNR, Conservancy staff, and NPS staff.
No matter who they are working with or where along the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers interns are operating, they make meaningful contributions to conservation in their community. You can hear from past interns themselves about the impacts of the internship further below in StoryMap sections Celebrating Internship Work & Projects and Past Interns. You can jump ahead to those sections using the buttons at the top of this web page.
Long-lasting Partnerships
Looking back, both women say the internship program just made sense for them to work on together. “We had an inkling of fit [at the time] but didn’t fully understand that because the internship program was a success [it] was a major foundational moment of building [a] friends group relationship. We wouldn’t be the kinds of partners we are today without that partnership,” shared Julie. The missions of both the Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway are to serve and protect the riverway and make sure that people today and in the future have opportunities to appreciate the riverway and participate in conservation. The internship program is just one of many ways for people to have those meaningful stewardship experiences. The internship provides “unique, life changing experiences that [interns] get to have that they may otherwise never experience,” concludes Deb.
Looking Towards the Future
Wild Rivers Conservancy expects the internship program to continue on its path of growth and hopes to see it attain full funding someday. “The fact that people go into it, have a good experience, then have a career in natural resources is one of our [internship’s] biggest successes” says Deb. The Internship Program at Wild Rivers Conservancy continues to build upon this legacy of service and learning. This StoryMap project celebrates the past 10 years of successful internships while looking forward to what comes next for the program.
Internship Description
Internship Office
Photo by Emilee Martell of Osceola Landing.
Interns spend a fair amount of time exploring the riverway and many consider it to be their office!
All Wild Rivers Conservancy Interns commit to working at least 10 weeks minimum in the program, typically over the summer months.
Interns are stationed either with the Conservancy itself or the National Park Service.
Where do internships take place?
Map of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway work throughout the St. Croix Watershed, an area about the same size as the state of New Jersey! Depending on the role, internships are stationed at the Wild Rivers Conservancy office in Osceola, WI, or at one of the Visitor Centers for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in St. Croix Falls, WI, or Trego, WI. Travel throughout the watershed is standard for most internship roles as part of their job duties.
Example housing for NPS interns located on the grounds of The Acreage at Osceola. Housing location depends on availability.
Internship Benefits
- Internships that are stationed with Wild Rivers Conservancy receive a wage of $15/hour.
- Internships that are stationed with the National Park Service are provided a monthly reimbursement of $500, a $1,500 tuition reimbursement, and housing for the summer.
Since the beginning in 2014, this internship has had reimbursements or wages to ensure the needs of interns are met.
Uniforms!
Interns receive either Conservancy or Park shirts with the logo on them, a field hat, and water shoes to ensure they can perform their duties for the public!
What can interns expect to experience in the program?
Grow from Valuable Experiences
Wild Rivers Conservancy interns support activities that give people opportunities to learn about and explore the Riverway, as well as protect and restore the watershed’s rare natural resources. These internship activities include:
- Assist with K-12 environmental education programs and outdoor public programs to connect people to the Riverway and encourage stewardship.
- Support land management by using GIS and other tools to develop snapshots of key habitat corridors and vital parcels of land for protection.
- Work hand in hand with park rangers, creating opportunities for park visitors to understand the significance of the Riverway and its resources.
- Monitor and survey water quality, aquatic invertebrates, zebra mussels, and bats.
- Educate the community on the spread of invasive species by connecting with people at landings and assisting with community-based invasive species awareness activities.
Work in The Nation's First Wild and Scenic Riverway
Spanning both Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is among these cherished national parks. Encompassing 255 miles of clean water, exceptional wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities, the Riverway consists of the St. Croix River and its main tributary, the Namekagon River. In 1968, these rivers were designated as the nation's first wild and scenic river national park, thanks to their free-flowing character, outstanding water quality, and the recreational, cultural, historical, and aesthetic values they provide.
The Riverway isn’t just important for its ecological value. The St. Croix River offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a wilderness-like experience and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities within easy reach of a major metropolitan area. Close to a million visitors each year come to swim, paddle, fish, hike, and more.
National Park Service Partnership
Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix and Namekagon is the official non-profit partner for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. We support and complement the National Park Service’s work within the Riverway. The Conservancy is the voice of the river and the only organization with a watershed-wide scope in the St. Croix River basin.
As the non-profit partner for the Riverway, we work with the National Park Service to support Riverway protection and enhancement, and provide opportunities for people to explore and discover the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. We prioritize conservation activities that improve water quality, protect and enhance land, and increase stewardship efforts. The Conservancy is the "go-to" group for addressing issues that affect the St. Croix watershed and this national park.
"Getting to know and learn from experienced National Park Service employees was really meaningful as it showed me that I wanted to serve the public and was a key driver in my choice to volunteer with AmeriCorps following graduation." - Kristopher Moore, 2017 Intern
Pictured in the photo are 2023 interns (L to R) Raven Weitzenhoffer, Kylee Wesbrook, and Laney Urban tabling in Hayward, WI.
Interns gain the following skills from their experience:
- Riverway 101 (An introduction to the region’s culture and natural resources)
- First Aid/CPR
- Kayaking
- Outreach & Tabling
- K-12 Education
- Curriculum Development
- Teaching in the Field
- Professional Growth
- Mentorship
- Networking with Wild Rivers Conservancy partners such as Wisconsin DNR and Minnesota DNR, National Parks Service, and more
Photo: 2019 interns during kayak training at Hayward Landing
Celebrating Internship Work & Projects
Check out the photos and descriptions below of various projects interns worked on or experiences they had as part of the internship.
2015 Interns Jody Davis, Aimee Van Tatenhove, and Allison Morin while electroshocking fish on the Namekagon River.
Photo: Shared by Jody Davis
"Getting to help out with the mussel surveys was probably my favorite day of this internship. Working with people who have such passion for the mussels and those who get to see them in the way I love to see them, underwater, was a really amazing experience. I got to learn so much about sampling and the various species that were on the river, and how organizations like the Minnesota DNR is helping to improve the populations put a smile on my face that couldn’t dim." -Olivia Poelmann, 2018 Intern
In the photo, 2015 Aquatic Invasive Species Interns help sample invasive zebra mussels with resource management.
Photo Credit: Allison Morin
2015 Interns tabled at the National Park Service booth during the Lumberjack Championships at Scheer’s Lumberjack Village in Hayward, WI.
"I had so much fun as an intern helping at the NPS booth at the Lumberjack World Championships. I met so many wonderful people from all over the world. Aimee, Monica, and I had a blast helping the little kids with the jack and jill wood cutting too." -Jody Davis, 2015 Intern
On July 2, 2015, staff and interns held a staff meeting while out walking the Portage Trail! Everyone enjoyed getting out of the office and into nature while still being productive.
2016 Resource Management Intern Justin Hill helping set up a bat monitoring station in June.
To learn more about bat monitoring along the St. Croix Riverway, follow the link below:
2017 Park Guide Intern Kallie Thompson at Namekagon Arts Fest in Seeley, WI.
"Which direction would you like your fish to swim?”
Photo Credit: Joan Jacobowski
2017 Aquatic Invasive Species Intern Sean Griffin during a Yellow Iris removal project near Solon Springs.
“I think we bit off a little more than we can chew.”
Photo Credit: Sophia Koch
2017 Aquatic Invasive Species Intern Sophia Koch talking with an unidentified boat owner about how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Public outreach about aquatic invasive species is an important part of this internship position.
2017 Aquatic Invasive Species Intern Sophia Koch helping net catfish to be surgically implanted with acoustic transmitters. This project was part of a partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Photo taken by Eric Lord from the USGS.
Pictured are 2019 Interns receiving kayak safety training with a licensed outfitter. An important skill for projects such as performing river surveys and teaching kids how to kayak.
"The kayak training was really empowering for me." -Madison Fjeldsted, 2023 Intern
Photo Credit: Madison Sherman
Representing Wild Rivers Conservancy through community outreach and public engagement is a key part of many of the internships. This 2019 Intern is proud to table!
Photo Credit: Kelsea Goettl
2023 Interns sampling macroinvertebrates.
Photo Credit: Katrina Schlicker
Take a deeper dive into three stories about Interns found below:
2015 Resource Management Intern Aimee Van Tatenhove was interviewed for the StoryMap project.
Aimee performed many different projects over the course of the summer that she remembers fondly to this day.
- Hand pulling invasive plants out of the native garden around the visitor center
- Becoming chainsaw certified and helping remove problem trees
- Performing bird surveys from the river
- Electroshocking fish
- Wood turtle surveying near the riverway around Groat Landing and along nearby County M Road with the Department of Natural Resources
- Learning how to use radio telemetry to find turtles to catalog
- Bushwacking through underbrush to get to the turtles
- Gluing the radio transmitter to their shells
After Aimee's internship ended, she went on to work at the front desk for Wild Rivers Conservancy for 8 months until her job studying sea birds in Alaska started. A job that a fellow intern had recommended she apply for since she was so passionate about birds. "[Working for the Conservancy] was really cool and showed me that I could be a real adult, organize things. I organized a Bio Blitz Day and a film festival. They gave me the opportunity and leeway to try all this stuff."
What would you tell a young student today trying to enter your field?
"If you have a chance to do something and you have the time, do it! Don’t feel like it’s not meant for you or someone else should have the opportunity. Take opportunities as they come. I struggled with that a lot initially like oh maybe I’m not the right person for this. But then I tried it. Don’t let imposter syndrome win."
Anything you would like to say to the supporters and supervisors / leaders who make this program possible?
"To the supporters, definitely keep supporting this program. All my experiences at Wild Rivers Conservancy, it’s been a helpful foundation for what I’ve gone on to do. I'm just one person but I see everyone else I've interned with and they’ve gone on to do amazing things. Worthwhile to fund or share with other people.
It’s been awhile since I've been at Wild Rivers Conservancy, but at least when I was there, staff were so supportive and really great people. Keep doing what you’re doing and protect the St. Croix."
Maria Young was a 2021 Forestry Intern who is now the Invasive Species Coordinator at Wild Rivers Conservancy and was interviewed for the StoryMap project.
Do you think you would be where you are today without the Wild Rivers Conservancy internship? How did the internship prepare you for your career?
“I wouldn’t be here today without my internship because it let me get my foot in the door. I was able to meet a lot of the folks I ended up working with full time which prepared me well for starting in the position I did. I was the forestry stewardship intern but I wanted to help out with Invasive Species folks so I was half in the office and half in the field. When I interviewed I had experience with the Invasive Species program at the Conservancy. I jumped in in the middle of the summer, already familiar with the projects.”
What was it liking applying to work full time at Wild Rivers Conservancy?
"After my summer spent at Wild Rivers Conservancy as the forestry stewardship intern, I returned to school and finished out my undergrad degree at UW-River Falls by earning my B.S. in field biology with a minor in conservation. Soon after I graduated, a job opened up at Wild Rivers Conservancy for an invasive species technician, and I jumped at the opportunity to work with the Conservancy once more.” I followed the Conservancy on Instagram and “I saw the post right after it was posted advertising for the position and I jumped on it right away. I grabbed my laptop and started writing my cover letter. When I graduated, I had looked for positions similar to the Conservancy but everything I saw wasn’t what I wanted.”
"I now am almost two years into my role at Wild Rivers Conservancy and am so grateful to be able to work every day to protect and preserve the St. Croix river watershed with partners and volunteers from all over."
Anything you would like to say to the supporters and supervisors / leaders who make this program possible?
“I can’t imagine where I would be now if it weren’t for my internship. It opened my eyes for what was available in the natural resources field. I realized that there are so many aspects to the field: field work, connecting people to the riverway, education and outreach as important didn’t cross my mind until my experiences at Wild Rivers Conservancy. My internship was impactful on my life and I’m sure it was for everyone else in this program. Huge and great opportunity.”
New Leaders
Maria Young now participates in the Internship Program in a new capacity: as a mentor. “I think it really helps too because now this year I'll be a supervisor for interns. Being on the other side is helpful to make sure my interns have a meaningful experience because I was so pro-active during my own internship. I encourage the interns to get the most out of what you can from your internship. There are a lot of opportunities.”
Photo Description: Maria holding an invasive carp species while working with Minnesota DNR in fall 2023.
Pictured is 2015 Resource Management intern Henry "Hank" Carlson during a lead contamination in nesting bald eagles project performed during his internship. You can read more about the study here: Bald Eagles .
The many hands-on experiences Hank had during his internship directly impacted his career.
"I have been in the realms of Outdoor Recreation and Youth Development since the internship. After 1 year with Conservation Corp of MN/IA connecting youth to Public Lands, I began an 8 year career with the YMCA of the North developing and managing outdoor summer camp programs. The NPS of St. Croix N.S.R. happened to be a program partner and field trip destination with one of our Day Camp programs from 2016 - 2018. The internship provided by the Wild Rivers Conservancy was an important first step towards the career I currently have. The networking that took place in the Croix Falls field office directly impacted programs I helped orchestrate in my first position out of College. The internship also provided a framework for understanding how non-profits collaborate with federal agencies to improve agency efficiency and expand audience reach. Both at the center of the work in my job."
Past Interns
Since 2014, 78 interns have gone through the program! Scroll through the photos below to take a look at the intern cohorts throughout the years!
2014 Interns
2015 Interns
2016 Interns
2017 Interns and Staff
2018 Interns and Staff
2022 Interns
Interns at the beginning of their 2023 Internship
2023 Interns at the end of their internship
Explore the map below to see where past interns ended up today and read excerpts about their individual experiences!
Click on individual bios to read more details about a specific intern. If you click on a photo it will show the full photo as well. When looking at an individual bio, click the X to go back to viewing all interns.
You can also click on the red pins on the map to see which interns live there!
Donyal Eret
Donyal Eret. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2014
Gregory Gamroth
Gregory Gamroth. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2014
Elizabeth Nelson
Elizabeth Nelson. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2014
Nicholas Lahr
Nicholas Lahr. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2014
David Moy
David Moy. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2014
Sarah Shapiro
Sarah Shapiro. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2014
Monica Blaser
Monica Blaser. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2015
Danielle Browne
Danielle Browne. Click to expand.
Internship: Centennial Volunteer Ambassador 2015
Henry "Hank" Carlson
Henry "Hank" Carlson. Click to expand.
Internship: Resource Management 2015
Jody Davis
Jody Davis. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2015
Rachel Konopacz
Rachel Konopacz. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2015
Emilee Martell she/they
Emilee Martell she/they. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2015
Allison Morin
Allison Morin. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2015
Aimee Van Tatenhove
Aimee Van Tatenhove. Click to expand.
Internship: Resource Management 2015
Camilla Wilson
Camilla Wilson. Click to expand.
Internship: National Park Service Academy 2015
Justin Hill
Justin Hill. Click to expand.
Internship: Resource Management 2016
Ryan Horton
Ryan Horton. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2016
Julie McNeely
Julie McNeely. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2016
Chris Olson
Chris Olson. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2016
Jake Pope
Jake Pope. Click to expand.
Internship: Film 2016
Roderick Rush
Roderick Rush. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2016
Alyssa Rupp
Alyssa Rupp. Click to expand.
Internship: Visual Media 2016
Story Schwantes they/she
Story Schwantes they/she. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2016
Austin Waldvogel
Austin Waldvogel. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2016
Steve Zeece
Steve Zeece. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2016
Kevin Zickert
Kevin Zickert. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2016
Chris Carlson
Chris Carlson. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2017
Anna Craggs
Anna Craggs. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2017
Abby Glaysher
Abby Glaysher. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2017
Sophia Koch
Sophia Koch. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2017
Dalton Langer
Dalton Langer. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2017
Kris Moore
Kris Moore. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2017
Jackson Rudquist
Jackson Rudquist. Click to expand.
Internship: Visual Media 2017
Sean Griffin
Sean Griffin. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2017
Kallie Thompson
Kallie Thompson. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2017
Emily Weiler
Emily Weiler. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2017
Amber Wickenhauser
Amber Wickenhauser. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Use Management 2017
Haley Anderson
Haley Anderson. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2018
Tillery Bailey
Tillery Bailey. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2018
Wyatt Benton
Wyatt Benton. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Use 2018
Robert Boss
Robert Boss. Click to expand.
Internship: Nam Ambassador 2018
Jessica Bryzek
Jessica Bryzek. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2018
Katie Hands
Katie Hands. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2018
Patrick Hecht
Patrick Hecht. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2018
Olivia Poelmann
Olivia Poelmann. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2018
Shania Sinna
Shania Sinna. Click to expand.
Internship: Visual Media 2018
Jacob Teigen
Jacob Teigen . Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2018
Hardt Bergmann
Hardt Bergmann. Click to expand.
Internship: Forestry 2019
Derrick Dye
Derrick Dye. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2019
Hal Edwards
Hal Edwards . Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2019
Kelsea Goettl
Kelsea Goettl. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2019
Nathan Grosse
Nathan Grosse. Click to expand.
Internship: Karner Blue Butterfly 2019
Bobbie Law
Bobbie Law. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Management 2019
Laura Leppink
Laura Leppink. Click to expand.
Internship: Cultural Resources 2019
Candi Quandt
Candi Quandt. Click to expand.
Internship: Land Management 2019
Heidi Reinhardt
Heidi Reinhardt . Click to expand.
Internship: Karner Blue Butterfly 2019
Madison Sherman
Madison Sherman. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2019
Jeremiah Walters
Jeremiah Walters. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2019
Kaelin Laub
Kaelin Laub. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2021
Ryan Rogers
Ryan Rogers. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2021
Paige Wesbrook
Paige Wesbrook. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2021
Maria Young
Maria Young. Click to expand.
Internship: Forest Stewardship 2021
Kyle Ayers
Kyle Ayers. Click to expand.
Internship: Resource Management 2022
Hannah Heiss
Hannah Heiss. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2022
Devin Moore
Devin Moore. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2022
Keegan Tank
Keegan Tank. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2022
Kylee Wesbrook
Kylee Wesbrook. Click to expand.
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2022 & 2023
YuQi Zeng
YuQi Zeng. Click to expand.
Internship: Forestry 2022
Hannah Fennern
Hannah Fennern. Click to expand.
Internship: Resource Management 2023
Madison Fjeldsted
Madison Fjeldsted. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2023
Madelyn Kinny
Madelyn Kinny. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2023
Sam Peters
Sam Peters. Click to expand.
Internship: River Connections 2023
Logan Planer
Logan Planer. Click to expand.
Internship: Resource Management 2023
Katie Ramirez
Katie Ramirez. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2023
Laney Urban
Laney Urban. Click to expand.
Internship: Park Guide 2023
Raven Weitzenhoffer
Raven Weitzenhoffer. Click to expand.
Internship: Invasive Species 2023
Kylee Wesbrook
Kylee Wesbrook. Click to expand.
Internship: Invasive Species 2023
Jaime Webb he/they
Jaime Webb he/they. Click to expand.
Internship: Communications 2024
Donyal Eret
Internship: Park Guide 2014
Gregory Gamroth
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2014
Elizabeth Nelson
Internship: Park Guide 2014
Current Role: Interpretive Naturalist at William O'Brien State Park for Minnesota DNR
Current Location: Minnesota
"I had fun bonding with everyone. I loved experiencing the river firsthand and I loved connecting people with the river I grew to love."
"One of my favorite memories was when I was paddling on the St. Croix and me and my intern partner found the best lunch spot and we just sat there with our sandwiches and sunbathed and took in the beauty of the river."
Nicholas Lahr
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2014
David Moy
Internship: Park Guide 2014
Sarah Shapiro
Internship: Park Guide 2014
Current Role: Grants Management Specialist for the USDA Forest Service
Current Location: United States
"I loved the support and guidance for developing interpretive materials [during the internship]."
Sarah had jobs at Rocky Mountain National Park, Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, Pine Ridge Job Corps, Superior National Forest, and currently the Forest Service.
"Flexibility is key! Don’t be afraid to try new career paths to develop your skills."
Monica Blaser
Internship: Park Guide 2015
"I came into this internship looking specifically for experiences in resource management, but also accepting that as a Park Guide Intern they might be far and few in between. Rather, I was overwhelmed by the drive and commitment of my supervisor Branda Thwaits and the rest of my NPS colleagues at providing me with as many field work opportunities as possible."
Danielle Browne
Internship: Centennial Volunteer Ambassador 2015
Henry "Hank" Carlson
Internship: Resource Management 2015
Current Role: Summer Camp Program Director at YMCA of the North
Current Location: Minnesota
A meaningful experience during my internship was when I "guided a crew of Conservation Corps youth workers in invasive species control near the shoreline. One of the first environmental remediation projects where I was given some autonomy and a leadership role. They trusted me to manage the project!"
Jody Davis
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2015
Current Role: Law Enforcement Supervisor for the National Park Service - Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Current Location: California
"I am forever grateful that the Wild River Conservancy internship allowed me to get my foot in the door...My most meaningful experience was when the law enforcement rangers took time to talk to me about their job and how they got their start in the career. It was so helpful to ride around with them to get a first hand look at their jobs. It's because of them that I am where I am today."
Rachel Konopacz
Internship: Park Guide 2015
Current Role: Event Producer at PRA Events, Inc.
Current Location: Arizona
"I am a corporate event planner. The planning and operational assistance I helped with in my internship helped provide skills to get me to my next steps."
Emilee Martell she/they
Internship: Park Guide 2015
Current Role: Communications Specialist for Driftless Area Land Conservancy
Current Location: Wisconsin
"On our first paddle of the summer, it was a gorgeous day on the water and I was just beaming with happiness, feeling so incredibly lucky, and one of the park rangers looked at me and joked, "It's going to be a tough summer for you, isn't it?"
"You might call it the perfect internship experience."
Allison Morin
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2015
"The river is so beautiful. It is really cool to see how many people put their lives into this river and all they do for it. Coming into this, I had no idea the river was a national scenic riverway, and I’m so glad it is. Seeing all that is done to protect it inside and out is really admirable and inspiring."
The photo above is of the Namekagon and was taken by Allison Morin.
Aimee Van Tatenhove
Internship: Resource Management 2015
Current Role: PhD student at Utah State University studying American white pelicans
Current Location: California
"I was fortunate enough to spend a few days as a WRC intern helping my high school biology teacher conduct bird surveys along the upper St. Croix. He's been doing research within the St. Croix watershed for years, and it was a great chance to reconnect and talk science with someone who helped spark my interest in ecology."
Camilla Wilson
Internship: National Park Service Academy 2015
Current Role: Education Manager for Prospect Park Audubon Center
Current Location: New York
"Here I learned scenic exists not through comparison but through the genuine emotion of raw experience. Scenic is navigating Big Bend to Earl Landing paddling positive, it’s walking barefoot at Whispering Pines Landing inhaling crisp air and admiring a plush green backdrop that has the potential of being déjà vu at a latter date. Scenic is paddling against warm wind and playful mists, discovering hidden cabins on route to the Namekagon Trail landing. Scenic isn’t as much an overrated landscape as it is a raw indescribable moment in reality."
Justin Hill
Internship: Resource Management 2016
Ryan Horton
Internship: Park Guide 2016
"This may be the first job that I (for the most part) look forward to coming into work every day. I know that when I come in I am helping people and connecting to people about the river. Whether I am helping someone plan a kayaking trip or teaching some kids about the river for a YMCA camp I usually leave work satisfied at the end of the day. Not to mention the beauty of the area definitely makes working outside a pleasant experience."
Julie McNeely
Internship: Park Guide 2016
"I did so many different kinds of things this summer beyond what were just my typical ‘park guide’ duties. Throughout a typical week I spend time tending to the visitor center, answering visitors questions, helping people with river trip planning, and selling gift shop merchandise. When I wasn’t in the visitor center I was out roving and making informal contact with visitors [and] helping the other interpretive rangers with various programs."
Chris Olson
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2016
"To me this internship represented opportunity. The opportunity for me to get out in the world as a person continuing at all times to learn from people and have new experiences to build my career upon. Not only as a resume builder, but something I can remember as the point in which I stopped being just a student, and started being a productive member of a community, and the fact that I could help take care of a river that I have lived on my entire life was just icing on the cake. What this internship represented to me was a chance to take what I learned in the last four years of college and really apply it to the real world in a positive way."
Jake Pope
Internship: Film 2016
Roderick Rush
Internship: Park Guide 2016
Alyssa Rupp
Internship: Visual Media 2016
Story Schwantes they/she
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2016
Current Role: Air Quality Science Project Manager for TD Enviro
Current Location: Oregon
"I was fortunate to get to spend some of my internship with the National Park wildlife biologists, and at one point was part of a team gluing tags to the endangered Winged Maple Leaf mussel and then gave them to a dive team who was bringing them to the middle of the river. It was a moment I really felt connected to the river I had grown up on and in."
Story continues to volunteer in their community at "environmental organizations where I live to fight fossil fuel projects, electrify my community, expand public transit, and pursue equitable climate justice initiatives."
Austin Waldvogel
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2016
Steve Zeece
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2016
"Every staff member I have met either at WRC or NPS has been incredibly willing to help to me or any other intern with finding our way in our individual career paths. I’ve gotten a great deal of advice and insight from many different people over the past three months. And that is the most important part of this internship to me. The advice and insight I’ve been given from Angelique and others will undoubtedly have the longest lasting effect."
Kevin Zickert
Internship: Park Guide 2016
"My experience working in the lands office this summer has meant contributing to something much greater than myself. As a partner of the National Park Service through the River Connections Program, I am affecting the way the public interacts with this unique resource. The mission of this work is to protect and maintain the sustainable use of this landscape, both now and for the future. The most rewarding part of this effort comes from working to satisfy the public’s understanding of the river’s natural and cultural resources."
Chris Carlson
Internship: Park Guide 2017
"The river to me was also a place of meditation, not just to practice conscious breathing while paddling but also a place to truly meditate and disconnect myself from this ever-changing world. My new favorite place to meditate is the wonderful weeping willow across the river from the Trego visitor center. The tree leans out from the banks and over the river, its main trunk is easy to walk up and then 10’ up it splits like fingers coming out of the palm of a hand. I spent many hours sitting in the palm of that tree."
Anna Craggs
Internship: Park Guide 2017
"This internship has made me interested in working in a National Park, National Forest, or just in a guiding position in the future to show the rest of the world what nature has to offer."
Abby Glaysher
Internship: Park Guide 2017
"To me this internship was very hands on at certain parts because we actually got to go into the public and interact with people and make them aware that the St. Croix River is more than just a river, it’s a really special place to be. Coming into this internship I knew little to nothing about fish, mussels, dragonflies, and invasive species and now just by working with this park I have already learned so much useful information that relates to not only this park but to a lot of the environment."
Sophia Koch
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2017
Dalton Langer
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2017
"Week to week changed on what I was doing. That was one of the fun parts of the summer experiencing so many jobs and people doing those jobs just protecting the river."
Kris Moore
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2017
Current Role: Environmental Scientist for GHD
Current Location: Colorado
"Skills I developed while working at my Saint Croix internship such as time management, locating and understanding regulations, ability to communicate with stakeholders, and attention to detail have been invaluable to me as I have navigated and continue to navigate my career. I have not yet been able to utilize the kayaking skills I developed as part of my career, but they've certainly been helpful on the weekends!"
Jackson Rudquist
Internship: Visual Media 2017
"This internship has helped me mature professionally. Being able to see where graphic design fits in an organization such as the St. Croix National Scenic riverway has made me feel more confident about my future as a graphic designer. I have seen the ambitious creative side of the job along with the more practical day to day side, which has helped me understand that balance is a very key aspect to productivity. Getting to work through the creative process on a professional level has been very helpful, and very different than school. Getting to utilize my skills outside of a school setting has been very motivating."
Sean Griffin
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2017
"This seasonal opportunity has meant a great deal to me. I really enjoy being outside and working hands on with the resources I am so passionate about. I have never spent a large amount of time on rivers like I have done with this opportunity."
Kallie Thompson
Internship: Park Guide 2017
"I discovered that interpretation isn’t something that I really want to do. I am more interested in wildlife or fisheries and learning about them. I am glad that this internship helped me realize where I want my future career to go."
Emily Weiler
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2017
"This internship opened the realm of possibilities to all different kinds of natural resources work that I never thought about pursuing, or agencies I didn’t considering working for before this summer. ...After this internship, I feel much more confident in my abilities to work independently and in my knowledge about aquatics, but also about other job agencies that I could take down my career path."
Amber Wickenhauser
Internship: Land Use Management 2017
"[My] end goal has been reaffirmed that I want to work directly, or indirectly with wildlife in a way that I can make the largest improvement and impact on their happiness, as well as their livelihood. I would love to find a way that I can combine the fields, and through this internship, I have learned that the possibilities are endless and I have new hopes for wherever my future takes me because of the connections and impact that this internship has had on me."
Haley Anderson
Internship: Land Program Assistant 2018
"I met my goal of becoming better at speaking with the public. I worked on this goal by visiting boat landings to warn people about the high-water conditions and speaking with land owners on my monitoring trips."
Tillery Bailey
Internship: Park Guide 2018
"Experiences I wasn’t expecting this summer (but thoroughly enjoyed):
• Seeing a bald eagle nearly every day
• Going mucking (I didn’t even know what it meant!)
• Being able to help people plan trips on the river and answer questions in detail
• Reviving and maintaining gardens with a wide range of native plants
I feel as if I learned something new every day, whether it was a new fact about the river or the proper way to raise a flag, and developed skills I can bring with me into a variety of career paths."
Wyatt Benton
Internship: Land Use 2018
"I have been able to interact with organizations outside of NPS like Saint Croix River Association, Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Indian Commission, Wild River Friends Group, and the Minnesota DNR as well. These opportunities have given me a much better understanding of the relationships and work done outside the National Park Service and piece together the very complex structures that make up the park."
Robert Boss
Internship: Nam Ambassador 2018
Current Role: Student at UW-River Falls
Current Location: Wisconsin
"After leaving my Wild Rivers internship in 2018 my supervisor encouraged me to pursue a bachelors degree. I was unsure of that path at that time...I became a security guard from 2019 till fall of 2023. I realized I didn't enjoy were I was at...and I missed working out in and for nature. So, I decided to go back to school...[I'm] pursuing a conservation degree with emphasis on restoration management..."
Jessica Bryzek
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2018
"I could not be happier with the internship and all the skills I have gained. Through my internship, I have been able to gain a variety of diverse skills, as well as network and interact with a very talented group of professionals. …Kayaking 85 miles in 4 days on the Namekagon River was the highlight of the summer."
Katie Hands
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2018
"I cannot express my gratitude for having this job because I loved everything we did and learned and I cannot imagine a better way I could have spent my summer. During one of the first weeks of working for WRC, our team drove north to the Namekagon River and spent a week kayaking down the river while monitoring for the invasive Yellow Iris along the shore. We traveled 85 miles down the twists and turns of the river while learning how to specifically identify the differences between Yellow Iris and Blue Flag Iris. This was one of my favorite experiences because we were able to spend almost a full week on the river and be completely surrounded by nature."
Patrick Hecht
Internship: Park Guide 2018
"I feel that I was very lucky to be stationed at the Namekagon center, as Dale was a fantastic supervisor who tried very hard to give us a wide variety of experiences over the summer to show us all of the various aspects and job opportunities of the Park Service."
Olivia Poelmann
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2018
"Overall, this internship gave me a 360-degree view working for a non-profit, working with NPS, working with the community, and working with people in the science community."
Shania Sinna
Internship: Visual Media 2018
"Even though it was a short three months, those three months were filled with projects, photography, videography, and a lot of self-teaching…Overall this experience has been one of the most rewarding adventures I have ever done. Being able to work with people who have a true passion for what they love, and being able to show that passion and love to guests in the visual language I have studied was unbelievable. If I had the chance to do it again I would."
Jacob Teigen
Internship: Park Guide 2018
Current Role: Self-employed in Construction
Current Location: Wisconsin
"This internship really pushed me to become more professional and better understanding what it is like to work at a national park. There are many tasks that need to be completed to the highest quality. I learned that no matter how many projects I need to work on, I should slow down and concentrate, since one little mistake could ruin everything."
Hardt Bergmann
Internship: Forestry 2019
Derrick Dye
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2019
Hal Edwards
Internship: Park Guide 2019
Current Role: Masters student at West Virginia University studying Brook Trout
Current Location: West Virginia
"My first solo guided hike was very meaningful. I had designed, scripted, and planned the entire experience on my own with help from the other park rangers. I was super nervous when it began but once I started it was a lot of fun and everyone attending seemed to really enjoy themselves. It was super satisfying to see a project I had put a lot of time into go so well and it really improved my confidence in my skills as an educator."
Kelsea Goettl
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2019
Nathan Grosse
Internship: Karner Blue Butterfly 2019
Bobbie Law
Internship: Land Management 2019
Laura Leppink
Internship: Cultural Resources 2019
Candi Quandt
Internship: Land Management 2019
Current Role: Brownfields Specialist for Wisconsin DNR
Current Location: Wisconsin
"I had never kayaked before so learning how to flip a kayak in a cold lake at 9 in the morning was quite the experience 😂"
Heidi Reinhardt
Internship: Karner Blue Butterfly 2019
Current Role: Certified Veterinary Technician at BluePearl Pet Hospital
Current Location: Wisconsin
"My experience with Wild Rivers was the introduction I needed to gain experience needed for careers in conservation."
Madison Sherman
Internship: Park Guide 2019
Current Role: English Assistant Teacher at Junta de Andalucia
Current Location: Andalucia, Spain
"It’s good to hear from y’all! I really loved my internship and I’m so grateful for it.[One of the most meaningful experiences was] "fly-fishing for the first time!"
Jeremiah Walters
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2019
Kaelin Laub
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2021
Ryan Rogers
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2021
Current Role: Environmental Technician for Short Elliott Hendrickson
Current Location: Minnesota
"Working alongside the National Park Service over the course of my internship gave me some great insight on the work of environmental professionals. It takes a lot of time and effort to manage the riverway and I gained an even greater appreciation for it. I also enjoyed all the ways I was able to engage with local communities, from running an info booth at festivals to leading paddles along the river and much more."
Paige Wesbrook
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2021
Maria Young
Internship: Forest Stewardship 2021
Current Role: Invasive Species Coordinator for Wild Rivers Conservancy
Current Location: Minnesota
"During my internship at Wild Rivers Conservancy, I was given the opportunity to work with the invasive species interns a few times to sample lakes within the watershed for zebra mussel veligers and spiny water fleas and to kayak the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers to survey for purple loosestrife. I loved being able to work outside with the team and spend time on the water--those were some of my favorite days."
Kyle Ayers
Internship: Resource Management 2022
Current Role: Restoration Ecologist for GEI Consultants
Current Location: Wisconsin
"Making connections within and outside of Wild Rivers Conservancy, the National Park Service, and both Wisconsin and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was my biggest reason for learning as much as I did and making the necessary professional connections to develop my network and move into another role that takes on more responsibility."
Hannah Heiss
Internship: Park Guide 2022
Current Role: Student at Drake University studying sustainability
Current Location: Minnesota
"Since finishing with Wild Rivers Conservancy, I've had the opportunity to do lots of cool things! I've studied in both Austria and Indonesia, interned at the U.S. State Department, and currently serve as the coordinator of my campus's garden. Networking through friends, professors, coworkers, and bosses has been really helpful in finding opportunities, as have improving my leadership and communication skills."
Devin Moore
Internship: Park Guide 2022
Current Role: Tree Trimmer Trainee for Davey Tree
Current Location: Iowa
"One of the most impactful experiences [of the internship] was just being able to float down the river on a calm day with the other rangers. Northern sections of the river are especially peaceful and allow for moments of bonding and contemplation."
Keegan Tank
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2022
Current Role: Special Education Paraprofessional at North Shore Community School and Native Plant Landscaper at Shoreview Natives
Current Location: Minnesota
"Alex B. at Wild Rivers Conservancy was a great mentor in my time as an intern. He taught me some good insight on prairies, taught me how to collect seed and was very knowledgable."
"This past December, when the season at Shoreview Natives was over I needed to find a job for the winter I was referred to an opening for a Special Ed Paraprofessional job at North Shore Community School(K-6). I had experience in education from the WRC internship with the Rivers are Alive Program which helped me land the job. Everyday is very different which keeps you on your toes, but it is very fulfilling to support the kids and learn and grow myself."
"In each position I hold, networking and word-of-mouth was important for getting the job, but my experience with WRC helped expose and get me closer to my passions- and I landed where I work now."
Kylee Wesbrook
Internship: Aquatic Invasive Species 2022 & 2023
YuQi Zeng
Internship: Forestry 2022
Hannah Fennern
Internship: Resource Management 2023
Madison Fjeldsted
Internship: Park Guide 2023
Current Role: Student and Research Assistant at Utah State University
Current Location: Utah
"I will graduate with my bachelors in environmental studies in May...Currently I’m doing research in the field of natural resource sociology and I hope to publish two papers by the end of this year."
"I have been keeping in touch with Dan and Michelle from NPS at the St. Croix Visitor Center this whole time."
Madelyn Kinny
Internship: Park Guide 2023
Current Role: Aquatic Plant Field Technician at the University of Minnesota
Current Location: Minnesota
"I interned last summer (2023) with Wild Rivers Conservancy, based out of the NPS office...what I think made my internship different from the others that are offered through the same program [was] I was able to get a balance between office work and field work, so I was able to figure out what I prefer and gain skills in both."
Since then, I have been working to finish up my last year of college. In May, I will be graduating and beginning my job, where I will be working on aquatic plant research. I'm also beginning my sixth year of volunteering with waterfowl at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota soon."
Sam Peters
Internship: River Connections 2023
"At first, I felt like I might have been a little underqualified compared to my fellow interns. Most of them were pursuing degrees in natural resource management or environmental science. I, on the other hand, am studying to be a social studies teacher. I made an effort to learn as much as I could during the first month however, and soon I started to feel more confident in my place at the conservancy. I always felt the most at home during our educational programs, which is what I am the best at and the most passionate about. I received many compliments from fellow staff, volunteers, and chaperones about my talent for teaching which always put a smile on my face and helped to confirm that I’m pursuing the right career."
Logan Planer
Internship: Resource Management 2023
Current Role: Hunting and Shooting Sports Specialist at Wisconsin DNR
Current Location: Wisconsin
"Everyday I stepped through the back door of the headquarters I never truthfully knew what to expect from my day because there were always new opportunities, research experiences, and amazing people that would help to teach me new skills that couldn’t be taught in a classroom at my college."
"Working at the conservancy was an amazing experience to get my foot in the door working with both state and federal agencies. I was able to take away many new networking opportunities that would lead to finding this job with the Wisconsin DNR!"
Katie Ramirez
Internship: Park Guide 2023
Laney Urban
Internship: Park Guide 2023
Raven Weitzenhoffer
Internship: Invasive Species 2023
Current Role: Communications & Development Intern at Edwards Aquifer Authority
Current Location: Texas
"Since my internship with the Wild Rivers Conservancy last summer, I have continued my education at Trinity University in San Antonio. I am excited to graduate this May with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. In addition to being a full-time student, I also have an internship working with the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) as a Communications and Development Intern. My main role is educating students at our Education Outreach Center about the aquifer and water conservation...I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have had, including my internship with the Wild Rivers Conservancy and the EAA."
Kylee Wesbrook
Internship: Invasive Species 2023
Jaime Webb he/they
Internship: Communications 2024
Current Role: Program Coordinator for Prairie Hills Resource Conservation and Development
Current Location: Illinois
"After my environmental education AmeriCorps service term ended, this remote internship was exactly what I needed to continue sharpening my professional skills while I searched for a full time position."
Wild Rivers Conservancy is proud to see past interns have successful careers!
The graphic below shows what fields interns ended up in after their internship. The data is based off of interns who completed an Internship Survey for the StoryMap Project.
Stay Connected! Get Involved!
Alumni
If you are a past intern, please join the Wild Rivers Conservancy Intern Alumni Group on LinkedIn . We would love to offer opportunities for interns to remain connected with one another and support each other.
Supporters
Kris Moore wading in the river photo taken by Jackson Rudquist
Become an intern at Wild Rivers Conservancy!
If you or someone you know is interested in joining our internship program, click HERE to learn more about how to apply and what internships are currently available!
Photo of Jaime Webb in Arizona during a graduate school trip.
About the Story Map Author
Jaime Webb was the Wild Rivers Conservancy’s first ever Communications Intern in Spring 2024! Their internship project focus was the creation of the Story Map you have been reading through. From interviewing past Conservancy interns, collecting data, and creating informational graphics, Jaime weaved together the story of this successful internship program to celebrate the conservation efforts of interns past, present, and future.
Thanking Our Partners
The Wild Rivers Conservancy of St. Croix & Namekagon would like to thank our wonderful partners who make the Internship Program possible:
Thank you for reading our StoryMap and celebrating our interns with us!
