As summer comes to an end, I'm reflecting on the new experiences and opportunities I've had the privilege to be a part of as an intern at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. One of the most memorable moments has been my involvement in hands-on conservation work. Recently, I had the privilege of helping tag Lake Sturgeon at Genoa National Fish Hatchery. Along with this experience, I was given a tour of the hatchery and the visitor center, where I learned about the various fish species they have on site and the history of the area.

I also traveled to Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge to assist with vegetation sampling, where biologists were estimating seed production to calculate duck-energy days. These days measure how many dabbling ducks a wetland can energetically sustain for a specified period. Accurate seed production estimates are crucial for monitoring plant succession and evaluating management techniques. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of how biologists assess habitat quality and the vital role refuges play in supporting migratory birds.

One exciting initiative I'm currently preparing for is the fall season at the refuge. I'm organizing environmental education programs for local schools and libraries, as well as hosting family-friendly events on the refuge. I'm looking forward to focusing on waterfowl migration as Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is a breeding ground and stop-over site for migratory birds. It's a great spot to observe a wide variety of waterfowl and other bird species. This internship has been incredibly rewarding and I look forward to seeing how these experiences continue to shape my growth personally and professionally.