Making Friends in Nevada
“You’re going to Nevada? Maybe you’ll see a rattlesnake!” That’s what I kept hearing before I left for my Conservation and Land Management Internship in Carson City, Nevada. From the very first day of work we were out in the field for a range assessment. My first three-day trip exposed me to the beautiful scenery of western Nevada. My job requires me to get to know the vegetation; however I couldn’t help but notice all types of natives. While familiarizing myself with the flowering plants of the area to make note of future collection possibilities, lizards, jackrabbits and birds surrounded me. I photographed as many reptiles as flowers that first trip. On our third day in the field, I was participating in a noxious weed assessment near a creek in Bureau of Land Management pastureland. I was following behind a fellow intern when I spotted my first rattlesnake! I couldn’t help but jump when my eyes focused on the patterned back of this snake, but from a safe distance this rattlesnake was one cool creature. This was our last day in the field for the week and as we drove back to the office I couldn’t help but wonder what amazing things I will find in the weeks to come.

Lauren Shaffer
Carson City, Nevada