The past two weeks have been packed full of many training sessions to prepare me for the rigorous field season that lies ahead. I have had Alaska regional Exotic Plant Management Team training in Anchorage, First Aid/CPR, bear safety, B3 aviation safety, ATV training and I this week I am at the Chicago Botanic Garden for a week of training as well.

ATV Training!

I am originally from Wisconsin, so it feels good to be close to home in the midwest again, and take a short break from Alaska for a week. I have been learning so many things to help me on the job once I return. My favorite part so far is the botany practice we are doing here at the Gardens, there are SO many interesting plants to observe and key out! I have also been enjoying networking with other CLM interns and staff at the Garden. I have been thinking of graduate school and other options to pursue next in my career and having the opportunity to talk to other people my age in the same field has really helped with some of the decision making process I am going through. Tomorrow is our last day of training here at the Garden and I am looking forward to Krissa and Wes giving us advice for admittance into graduate school and the steps we may take in our career after this internship. I am also looking forward to getting back to Alaska and starting field work!

-Morgan Gantz, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska