Wow, I cannot believe how quickly these five months have passed! But then again, when reflecting on the range of projects to which I was given the opportunity to contribute, and the amount that I have learned, it’s hard to believe that all of it occurred in just five months…

Throughout this internship, I have gained not only the concrete/technical skills—such as high desert plant identification, GIS capabilities, and vegetation monitoring methods, but also an appreciation for the diverse responsibilities and sustained efforts of land management.

I would describe myself as a “results-oriented” individual, that is, I find fulfillment in seeing the direct impacts of my work; therefore at times I found the array of simultaneous projects frustrating because I didn’t feel like I was focusing my efforts in a productive way. However, to future interns I would impart the following advice: Do not be intimidated, frustrated, or concerned if you feel that you are not able to see projects start to finish. If you are asked to work on several long term projects (as is the tendency of most land management initiatives…), it is important to understand why/to what end you are working on a particular project, but don’t necessarily expect “results.” Not only will you get the most out of your internship by staying open to and aware of new developments and projects, (even if you have four other tasks in the works) but these seemingly small contributions add up to the sustained, diverse efforts required of land management; that is, based on my very limited experience in the arena.

Thanks to CBG and the BLM in Carson City for this opportunity!

-Margaret