In fall 2024, CAZCA continued its efforts to provide valuable work experience to young adults in STEM fields by offering a Collaborative Conservation internship. Thanks to generous donor Avnet Cares, three interns contributed to CAZCA’s various key projects over the course of eight months, where they gained a depth and breadth of knowledge and hands-on experience advancing conservation goals in our communities. Working with CAZCA partners also allowed interns to try a variety of activities, collaborate with staff and partners to come up with creative solutions, and gain unique insights into how different organizations and groups operate.
Alexa
With Arizona as her home state, Alexa is passionate about protecting Arizona’s native species. The internship has helped her gain valuable work experience in encouraging community involvement in conservation action, and spreading awareness about conservation concerns.
Melanie
Currently, Melanie is pursuing a Master’s degree in Biology to help address the illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade. The internship allowed her to experience a range of conservation practices and skills in a variety of settings with our partners, providing valuable insight into specific career paths that impact wildlife trade.
Sebastian
A true steward of the Sonoran desert, Sebastian is dedicated to pursuing his passion for and obligation to the environment and its preservation. Through the internship and work with CAZCA partners, he was able to practice community outreach, education and action in conservation work.
The intern’s involvement in key projects included working in Desert Botanical Garden’s molecular lab to contribute to conservation of an Arizona native orchid species; mapping and removing invasive plant species with SW-IFL, and removing invasive snail eggs from the lower Salt River with Tonto National Forest; restoring native plants by planting Desert milkweed, collecting native seeds at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration area; doing trail and park maintenance at multiple locations; assisting CAZCA with outreach via public engagement, social media and educational printed materials; participating in data collection for Saguaro research and community science projects; and so much more. Interns performed their work at Chandler Nature Center, Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, North Mountain, Estrella Regional Park, and other important sites in Maricopa county.
After concluding their work, Interns recognized that collaborative conservation spurs innovation, creates accountability between partners, and increases conservation action through shared resources. They have met their desire “to expand… knowledge and experiences within the field of conservation and environmental science” and “contribute to the research, expand education efforts, and coordinate community building” (Final Report). The interns also contributed significantly to CAZCA’s Regional Open Space Strategy: Protect & Connect, Sustain & Restore, Love & Support, and Coordinate & Elevate.
To learn more about the internship read their Final Report!
