This summer, I had the opportunity to serve as a Siegele Science Intern with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), and what a journey it was. Over the course of the internship, I contributed to more than eight diverse projects and explored over a dozen regions across Colorado including Sterling, Pueblo, Rangely, and the Pawnee National Grasslands.
Much of my time was spent collaborating with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, where I participated in Mexican spotted owl surveys, bird banding, point counts, and a variety of other avian research efforts. Later in the season, I shifted gears and worked more closely with CNHP on entomology collections, rare plant monitoring, and wetland evaluations. Each project offered its own unique challenges and rewards.
This internship was the perfect introduction to fieldwork. In just a few short months, I gained hands-on experience, sharpened my off-trail navigation skills, and learned how to adapt and thrive during extended field hitches. I also had the chance to build meaningful connections with professionals across the natural resource spectrum from educators and stewards, to scientists working in conservation and research.
Perhaps most unexpectedly, I developed a deep appreciation for ornithology and plant science which are fields I hadn’t explored before but now hold close to my heart. The experience was nothing short of transformative, and I’d jump at the chance to do it all over again.
