As an intern at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, I’ve had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse range of activities that have enriched both my professional skills and personal growth. Now, several months into my internship, I’m excited to share some of the experiences that have shaped my journey and the meaningful work I’ve been fortunate to be part of.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internships has been helping with the educational and interpretative programs. I've had the opportunity to lead and participate in several different educational and interpretative programs, including the Monarch Butterfly Journey program, Owl Adaptations, 'What's in My Hiking Backpack,' and Family Archery. Community outreach has been a cornerstone of my work here. I've had the pleasure of representing the refuge at local events, such as the Outdoor Youth Fest, where I discussed the diverse bird species that can be spotted at the refuge. Hosting a booth at the Independence Library offered a valuable opportunity to represent our refuge. At this event, I presented information about semi-aquatic species, showcased their pelts, and discussed the unique habitat of the refuge. It was a great way to connect directly with families and individuals, answer questions about the refuge and its wildlife, and highlight the various events we host, while also encouraging community involvement.
My involvement hasn't been limited to education and outreach; I've had the opportunity to contribute to biological projects. One project was conducting Black Tern surveys, where I helped locate colonies, monitor nests and eggs, and record the developmental stages of the eggs. More recently, I've been assisting with the hunting process on the refuge, which involves processing applications for different hunting seasons and participating in the drawing of selected hunters.
One of the most memorable events was our Monarch Butterfly Tagging Program. This hands-on experience involved participants catching monarchs, tagging them, and then releasing them. It was incredibly rewarding to see the excitement of our participants as they contributed to a real conservation effort, knowing that their actions would help in tracking these migratory insects. Connecting with visitors has been a daily joy, offering me insights into the local area and the refuge itself. Being from Arizona, I’ve enjoyed learning about Wisconsin’s landscape and wildlife every day.
Lastly, helping with the volunteer banquet was a way to give back to those who dedicate their time to supporting the refuge. Coordinating this event allowed me to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our volunteers. I created an “All About Birds” quiz for the event, which added a fun and educational element to the celebration. Throughout my internship, I’ve experienced significant personal and professional growth so far. I’ve learned how to adapt educational content for diverse audiences and developed stronger community connections. I’m excited to see how my work will continue to impact the community and contribute to the mission of the Hispanic Access Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
