Meet the Summer Interns!
by Stella Pfau, Director of Programs and Community Partnerships

As the summer sun graces our days, we are thrilled to introduce you to the outstanding group of summer interns who have been an integral part of the team at both Ruffner Mountain and Turkey Creek. This internship has been made possible through CAWACO RC&D, Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education, and District 44 Representative Danny Garrett.

During their time at Ruffner Mountain, the interns have led over ten educational field trips for the Summer Youth Employment Program and Summer Camp of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District. They have also tabled at the East Lake Fishing Rodeo, participated in the MAPS Bird Banding Program in partnership with Alabama Audubon, assisted volunteers in our Habitat Garden Club, and learned from other Ruffner Mountain staff about nonprofit organizations' internal operations, communications, and fundraising.

In the next few weeks, interns will help lead our Moth Night Hike and assist with East Lake Family Art and Nature Day at Ruffner Mountain. At Turkey Creek, the interns have been actively engaged in various tasks, including planting and weeding, invasive species control, animal husbandry, plant propagation in our nursery, and ensuring the general upkeep of the facilities. They also had the opportunity to participate in the Urban Darter Meeting at the Preserve, where they met with biologists and stakeholders to learn about issues and ongoing efforts to protect the endangered darters in Jefferson County. Looking ahead, we are excited about their upcoming experience with the Coosa Riverkeepers, where they will gain knowledge about efforts to protect the Coosa watershed.