📷 Sunrise-'Birdrise' at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, NC | Orsulak/USFWS
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Catawba College, establishing a unique internship program at the breathtaking Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina. This collaboration embodies a shared commitment to cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders and safeguarding the future of our natural treasures.
The inaugural interns selected for this immersive program are Salem Fleming and Ana Price, two outstanding students pursuing Environmental and Sustainability majors at Catawba College. They will embark on a 12-week journey at the national wildlife refuge this summer, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in wetland restoration, wildlife monitoring, and environmental education.
“The National Wildlife Refuge Association is deeply committed to inspiring and empowering young people to become champions for conservation. This internship program exemplifies that commitment, providing students with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation work in the National Wildlife Refuge System and discover their passion for protecting wildlife and wild places.”
This program deepens the existing partnership between the National Wildlife Refuge Association and Catawba College. President Geoffrey Haskett's previous presentations with Catawba students, where he shared his passion for the National Wildlife Refuge System and conservation efforts, laid the groundwork for this exciting new collaboration. The internship program is a natural progression of this partnership, providing students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to translate classroom knowledge into real-world conservation action.
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, renowned for its unique "pocosin" wetland habitat, provides a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Interns will contribute to vital projects such as:
Wetland restoration: Assisting in ongoing efforts to restore the natural hydrology of the pocosin peatlands, a crucial ecosystem for numerous plant and animal species.
Wildlife monitoring: Participating in programs to track and study the refuge's diverse wildlife populations, including the majestic Black Bear and the critically endangered Red Wolf.
Environmental education: Engaging with visitors and sharing the importance of conservation through educational programs and outreach initiatives.
Sea Turtle nest monitoring: Contributing to protecting threatened sea turtle populations at the nearby Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
This internship program marks a significant step forward in fostering a passion for conservation and empowering young individuals to make a tangible difference. The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to play a role in shaping the future of conservation and ensuring the continued health and vitality of the National Wildlife Refuge System for generations to come.
Stay tuned for updates on Salem and Ana's internship journey and the incredible work they accomplish at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge!