Ecology Interns - Jesse Taylor-Waldman and Catherine Erne
Ecology Program Description
Each student will participate in an on-going research project with Highstead's Forest Ecologist. Responsibilities may include field sampling (recording deer browse, identifying and recording vegetation, coring trees), laboratory work (tree ring analysis, soil sieving), data entry, and analysis. In addition, students may interact with researchers from the Harvard Forest , the Brooklyn Botanic Garden the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station , and the Nature Conservancy , as well as local botanical experts. Students are encouraged to attend seminars and guided tours held at Highstead given by nationally and internationally regarded scientists and conservationists.
Current Research projects
Deer-Vegetation Ecology
- The effects of five years of deer management on tree regeneration
- The effects of canopy gaps on tree regeneration amidst high deer densities
Invasive Plants
- Vegetation response to experimental removal of Phragmites australis
Qualifications
Undergraduate or recently graduated student with major in ecology, botany, wildlife biology, or related field. Graduate student may be considered. Very detail oriented with a commitment to collecting high quality data under rigorous field conditions. Demonstrated experience and/or strong desire to work long hours in the field in remote settings with one other person. A willingness to drive long distances, to camp near study locations, and the ability to hike several miles off-trail are critical aspects of this position.
How To Apply
Highstead is no longer accepting applications for the summer 2012 Internship Program
Please send a cover letter and resume describing your field science background and interests (including relevant courses, employment, or experiences) and your educational and career objectives. Please include names, titles, and contact info (including email) of three professional references.
Send materials to:
Edward K. Faison, Ecologist
efaison@highstead.net
or by mail to:
Highstead
PO Box 1097
Redding Center, CT 06875
Working at Highstead
Located approximately halfway between Hartford, CT and New York City, Highstead is 150 acres of woodland, wetland, and meadow secluded in the quiet town of Redding, CT, located some 50 miles southwest of Hartford, CT and 50 miles northeast of New York City. Highstead's staff is small, so interns become important members of the Highstead community during their stay. Facilities include office space, reception/presentation room with art gallery, library and reading room, laboratory and greenhouse space, herbarium, and maintenance garage. The nearest town with grocery store and other amenities is Bethel, CT, about a 10 minute drive to the north, and a commuter rail line to NYC is located in West Redding.
Nearby Attractions: Redding has a large number of nature preserves, state parks, and hiking trails and is situated in the most undeveloped part of Fairfield County. The Nature Conservancies, 1800- acre Devil's Den Preserve is located several miles south as is the Saugatuck Reservoir, offering striking watershed views and miles of hiking trails. The Connecticut Coast is about a 30 minute drive south, while the rural highlands of northwestern, CT are about 45 minutes north.
Compensation
Student compensation includes the following:
- Stipend of $5,000 for the 12-week session
- Free furnished housing
Highstead Ecology Interns 2004 to Present
View Previous Highstead Ecology Interns
