One of the key activities I assisted with was weed whacking around the forest, which was essential for maintaining trails and improving forest health. Spending hours out in the field, I gained a renewed appreciation for the dedication required to manage such an expansive ecosystem. Clearing overgrown areas also allowed observing the subtle changes in plant communities and how they respond to human intervention and seasonal shifts.

I also had the chance to work closely with the rangeland manager and assist with his ongoing survey until November on plant species identification. This experience sharpened my observational skills and expanded my knowledge of native and invasive plant species in the southeastern region of Arizona. We spent our time surveying rangeland plots, documenting plant diversity, and learning about the complex interactions between flora, fauna, and land use. I now have a better grasp of how crucial it is to monitor and manage these ecosystems and how even small shifts in plant composition can impact the larger landscape.

One of the highlights of this period was attending a week-long course on tree cavities, where I not only learned from expert arborists but also had the opportunity to network with different professionals in the field. I discovered areas in the forest I hadn't known of and even found secret spots that I would like to explore again on my own time. This immersive experience took us on hikes through diverse terrains, examining trees and discussing their ecological significance. Tree cavities, it turns out, are much more than just holes in trunks—they serve as vital habitats for wildlife and play an important role in forest ecology as we examined this through the newly founded terminology of TreMs, tree-related microhabitats. The combination of in-depth learning and hands-on fieldwork made this a truly enriching experience, capping off my internship with new connections and a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship.