Thank you, summer 2025 interns

Our internship program helps us support the next generation of environmental leaders on their career paths. Over the summer, two interns with our Land Conservation program supported wildlife camera monitoring, volunteer pollinator monitoring, bumble bee research and more. 

Learn more about these leaders and the efforts they made possible.

Lauren Schmelzer: Summer field ecology intern

Lauren brought her passion, dedication and knowledge to several key projects within the Land Conservation program this summer. Lauren's primary focus was collecting data through field surveys of floral resources as part of our research assessing habitat for bumble bees in remnant and restored prairie. She also contributed to training and managing volunteers for our newly launched Pollinator Evaluation Program (PEP) and reaching out to select landowners about land protection opportunities.

Lauren's enthusiasm and commitment to her work were inspiring. She impressed us with her attention to detail, her organization and her drive to get tasks done efficiently and thoroughly. She is both good at science and good with people. She's a clear, compassionate communicator with volunteers and shares her knowledge with people in a way that's accessible and engaging. 

Lauren's reflections

"My experience as a summer field ecology intern exposed me to many facets of land conservation and provided me with the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable staff, passionate community members and ecologically diverse landscapes in Minnesota. Coming into this position, my goal was to learn about various land conservation processes and develop my skills in restoration planning, fieldwork and habitat assessments. Throughout my internship, I've met all my personal and professional goals.

"I've contributed to pollinator habitat research at four conservation sites; identified valuable land parcels for protection and mailed over 300 conservation letters to landowners; co-led and monitored FMR's Pollinator Evaluation Program with volunteer trainings and data input; and learned about restoration management and contracting during the Request For Proposal process for Bailey Point Nature Preserve. I am so grateful to have been part of such a great organization, and I'm happy to know that my work here at FMR will lead to positive changes in the future of conservation.

"My internship with FMR was also the capstone project for my Environmental Conservation master's degree program through the Nelson Institute at UW-Madison. Now that I have officially completed my degree, the next steps in my career involve seeking out jobs as an ecologist or environmental scientist to further strengthen my skills in habitat management and restoration."

Rashi DaSilva: Summer field ecology intern

Rashi brought her wide range of ecological skills and an ambitious attitude to her work. Her diverse interests and eagerness to learn greatly benefited the varied projects we undertook this summer within the Land Conservation program, including our wildlife camera monitoring program. Through this program, Rashi developed protocols and worked with volunteers to assess how wildlife are using important conservation lands along the Mississippi River. 

Rashi impressed us with her quiet competence, curiosity and observational skills. She pays keen attention to detail and shows deep interest. When doing field work, she noticed and pointed out so many small plants, insects, mushrooms and rocks. It's refreshing to be able to see our restoration sites through Rashi's eyes, and to be around someone whose interest and curiosity really shine. 

Rashi's reflections

"This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside FMR’s Land Conservation team, where I deepened my understanding of native plant communities and restoration practices. I supported a variety of projects with each staff member of the conservation team, including vegetation surveys, wildlife monitoring, GIS mapping and habitat assessments. Through this work, I gained valuable insight into the conservation field and the planning and management of prairie, savanna and forest sites. The most rewarding part of my time with FMR was making a tangible impact on the ecology of the Mississippi River Corridor while fostering community engagement and stewardship with local volunteers.

"I hope to continue working in restoration and conservation. I plan to become more involved in water resources, where I can apply the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained at FMR."