8 | January | 2014 | CLM Internship Program Blog

I wrapped up my internship at the BLM Colorado State Office at the beginning of December (making this post just a little late…), and after spending the holidays with friends and family in Oklahoma, I am currently ~~procrastinating~~ writing this from the New Hampshire Seacoast. After a few trips between Colorado and Oklahoma to move out of my apartment and pay one last visit to the Rockies, I once again loaded up my hatchback and embarked on a cross-country haul to join my fiance in New Hampshire.

As I renew my efforts to hunt down a job, I can’t help but reflect on how much I learned and really enjoyed my time as a CLM intern. Before this, I had only limited experience doing fieldwork, but after being privileged enough to work in some truly gorgeous places in Colorado, I can’t imagine my life and future career without it. Beyond the simple joys of fresh air and the beauty of nature, as a scientist, I would miss the intimacy that comes with going out into the natural world and really learning what is going on out there. If I learned nothing else from this experience, it would have been worth it for this little epiphany.

It was decidedly not all that I learned, however, and in listing the benefits of my internship, I have to mention my mentor Carol, whose experience, example, and staggering knowledge of Colorado flora taught me more than I can express. I am also grateful to my co-intern Darnisha, who showed me the ropes and was infallibly patient with the questions of which I asked way too many. Though my time as a CLM intern is over, I am still not sure if I believe how lucky I was to spend my first summer out of school traipsing through the Rockies, hungrily learning the names of unfamiliar plants all around me, and stumbling on breath-taking views practically every time I turned around. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity the CLM program gave me, and I am excited to see what new opportunities lay ahead.

Hoosier Ridge, Colorado– See what I mean about the views?

Best wishes,

Katherine Wenzell

The winter has been a mild one here compared to the frigid January temps we had last year. Though we have still received some snow around the area! The field office has slowed down quite a bit over the holidays. It was pleasant to see things slow down a bit and enjoy the area over this holiday. It was amazing seeing the valley and surrounding mountains covered in snow as I was leaving for the Thanksgiving break. It doesn’t snow in the valley often so it was a thrill to drive through the snow and rain for a solid 6 hours In The DESERT! Bring on the precipitation!

The Holiday was filled with many parties before slowing down over the break. The office had a really nice Christmas party and a farewell to one of the Law Enforcement officers. It was followed by an evening of bowling. It was a treat to be able to enjoy and chat with everyone in a more casual setting. I also helped with the Christmas Party for the Student Conservation crews. We had dinner and desert prepared for about 25 crew members/leaders and all enjoyed an evening of homemade gift exchanges and conversation. The gift exchange was by far the highlight of the night. The crew members all drew names for gifts. All the gifts had to be made from scraps that had been discovered in the desert over the past few months. They were all so unique and hilarious! Definitely a highlight of the evening.

It has been such a pleasure to continue my close connection with the SCA Desert Restoration Corps in my current position. I led one of the work crews last year and worked closely with the BLM. It’s been great to be able to assist the crews and leaders with information, projects, and general orientation to the area. Last year I experienced land management from the field and daily restoration work. Now, I have been given the opportunity to see things from the larger management perspective. I have enjoyed learning about all the pieces that are balanced and juggled in a land management agency. I have enjoyed the work that I have completed in the wilderness areas. I have been able to be out in the field gathering data and seeing the actual condition of the land. It has really allowed me to connect with each area that I am surveying and to see it’s unique beauty. The freedom I have been given to oversee field work and projects has been amazing. I have enjoyed the freedom of discovering these lands and learning to view them through the world of use and protection. I have learned a lot through the combination of field monitoring and GIS mapping. I look forward to continuing to work in both areas. I am also looking forward to learning a bit about grant writing and wilderness inventory reports in the next few months.

I am very thankful for the last 5 months here in Ridgecrest. It has been fun and educational. I am so glad that I do not have to say goodbye right now and that I get to continue working with everyone here. It has been awesome getting to know everyone in the office and I have made some good friends. A big thanks to everyone who has supported me through this internship, this includes those in the Ridgecrest Field office and those with the Chicago Botanic Garden. Thanks for making this position available! And a special thank you to Dana for finding a way to keep me on!!! I have sincerely enjoyed the last 5 months and look forward to the next 5!