Well, this fabulous internship has drawn to a close. It seems incredible to me that I have only been in Arcata working with the local BLM for 7 months.  I have built an entire life in this time. When I arrived in March I found a community ready and willing to embrace me, with roommate potlucks and workplace BBQs I was ushered into the world of farmers market Saturdays, greenhouse gardening, and land management. Between the plant surveys and the seed collecting there were hikes that raced the tides and secret swimming holes that were clothing optional. The wanderlust that so often has me…by the belly aching fire, was quieted for a time as I threw myself into rangeland health assessments and invasive weed management.

I am constantly looking to add to my “biologist’s toolbelt”; skills that will make me an even better, more well-rounded conservation biologist and geneticist. This internship was incredible for expanding my skill set, with new experience in California floristics, rare plant surverying, GIS, and range work. I was exposed to some incredible, passionate resource specialists whose joy for their job was contagious and whose experience and mentoring was invaluable for me as I decide my next step.

A huge thank-you to the Arcata gang, and the always amazing CBG.