Insights

As part of its commitment to inspiring the next generation of conservationists, Highstead typically brings on 3-4 interns each year. While the pandemic moved our 2020 interns to a remote model, this summer, Highstead selected one Ecology Intern to work on-site to collect, record, and analyze data for several long-term research projects. Meet Danielle Weiss, Ecology Intern.

Danielle: My name is Danielle Weiss I am this summer’s Ecology Intern. I am finishing up my bachelor’s degree in Ecological Biology at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) this fall. I try to stay involved in the biology clubs at school, and I love getting outside and painting in my free time.

Danielle: Highstead had a great internship opportunity, so as soon as I heard I could apply, I did. I also thought it would be amazing to get some more experience in the field and try something new that I am very passionate about: plants!

Danielle: This ecology internship is similar to my past internships with the WCSU Tick Lab because I get to be out in the field most of the time collecting data. Then the rest of my time is spent entering data and analyzing results for my final project. This internship is different than my past internship experiences because I am learning and identifying plant, shrub, and seedling species that I wasn’t familiar with before coming to Highstead. This internship has already taught me so much about plant and tree identification and what is going on in the Oak versus Ash forests here at Highstead. I cannot wait to learn more!

Danielle: As a Highstead ecology intern, my day typically lasts from 9 am to 5 pm, and I start by going out into the field with [Senior Ecologist] Ed Faison, or just myself around 9:15, once I have everything packed and ready to go. Each day the goal is to go to two of the plots here at Highstead and identify every tree, shrub, seedling, and herb. To do this, I have to set up measuring tapes around the entire plot border and then set up two cross-sections. Within the plot, the goal is to identify all of the species and measure the tree’s diameter, come up with a percent coverage for the shrubs, seedlings, and herbs, and measure any woody debris on the diagonal cross-sections of the plot. After being out in the field, I come back to the barn and enter data. When I have some extra time I like to update the species identification list I created to help me out when I survey alone.

Danielle: My current academic and career goals go hand in hand because my long-term goal is to get my Ph.D. and do research on something related to ecology and conservation. I am now focused on studying for the GRE and looking into graduate schools for a Master’s program for next Fall.

Danielle: My motivation comes from my wish to help the environment someday with my research. I have been able to make that into a reality by working towards my education in ecological biology.

Danielle: Although I am really bad with names, Jane Goodall is one I will never forget. Jane is probably on everyone’s list of conservation heroes, including mine, because of her lifetime effort to conserve the environment and protect our wildlife. Jane is such an inspiring person, and I want to be even half of that one day—spreading conservation knowledge and action with the rest of the world.

Danielle: I love going to Sherwood Island State Park here in Connecticut on the weekends. Sherwood Island is in Westport and is a huge state park along the shore. I have so much fun being on the beach, longboarding, or painting there!

Danielle: My advice would be to apply to anything and everything that has to do with conservation or biology because any field or lab experience will be helpful. Even if you end up disliking your internship opportunity, it could help you figure out what you do not want to do in the future. Contrary to that, you might end up finding a great internship that can open doors for your career in the future and help you narrow down your future degree or career goals. I think that internships are a great way to get your foot in the door to something new, and I am very thankful to be at Highstead this summer.

Danielle: The advice that has stuck with me, especially recently, is that everything will work itself out if you are trying your best. Especially with biology and research in general, it can be really hard to know what your future will look like. The most important thing is to continue learning, trying out new internships, and creating connections, because if you are doing that, everything will work itself out. I have gotten this advice multiple times from many professors of mine when I ask, “How did you figure out what you wanted to research, and how did you get here?” I try to remind myself of this advice anytime I feel like I am lost or need a straighter and more familiar path for my future.

Highstead would not be what it is today without the steadfast leadership and diverse experiences of its team members. Meet the people of Highstead: experts, conservation leaders, scientists, and staff that embody Highstead’s mission to build a healthier, more livable world for all in our staff interview series.

Geordie: As Operations Director, my job is jack of all trades. I work with the team to oversee the day-to-day operations, including finances, HR, IT, buildings, and grounds, and I also participate in and support various aspects of our Land Stewardship, Ecology, Conservation programs, and our work on Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands, and Communities. One nice thing about my job is that I never get bored of doing the same thing.

Geordie: I grew up playing outside in the lakes, mountains, and forests of New Hampshire and have a great love for wild places and natural landscapes. The idea of working for an organization dedicated to learning about native plants and teaching the public about them excited me. When Highstead later expanded its mission to include land protection, I saw it as a logical extension that further aligned with my personal interests.

Geordie: The people of Highstead. Each staff member is passionate about what they do and is completely dedicated to their work. Each is unique and brings different talents and perspectives to our work. I am fortunate to work with such a collegial and professional group of individuals whose commitment to their work truly inspires me.

Geordie: I have a deep-seated belief that the world can be a better place. Working with people who share that belief and for an organization that embodies that in its mission encourages me to push forward. The Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands, and Communities Vision for the New England landscape is bold and some people may even think unachievable. I am undaunted by that. It helps inspire me to think about how we can improve the place where we live and sustain it for future generations.

Geordie: The success of the Ecotype Project excites me. Since college, I have imagined what our towns and cities would look like if we planted native plants and adopted naturalistic landscape techniques that integrated our planted landscapes into the natural lands that surround them. Motivated by the desire to create pollinator habitat, homeowners are planting native plants like never before. It is gratifying to see people plant plants that were grown from wild seed that we originally collected.

Geordie: The national parks are a U.S. treasure. My heroes are the many men and women who had the vision to see the value of protecting the unique places and the perseverance to push through the resistance of commercial interest that stood to gain from exploiting the natural resources.

Geordie: Doug Tallamy has done the research that supports what we have known all along — native plants are essential to healthy landscapes. His work on the relationship between native plants, insects, and the wildlife they support makes a compelling argument for planting natural landscapes.

Geordie: Education and awe. I really enjoy leading people on walks of the Highstead property and interpreting the landscape to them. The natural world is so complex and intricate, yet we tend to walk right past without even noticing. Pointing out the wonders of nature and helping someone understand how special our natural places are generally increases their commitment to protecting them.

Geordie: I like the White Mountains, particularly in winter. The beauty of the rock, the snow and ice, the challenge of extreme weather, and the quiet stillness of remote places energize me and helps me keep the world in its proper perspective. The big secret is that you really don’t get cold as long as you stay moving. Plus, there is no dirt, and there are no bugs!

Highstead would not be what it is today without the steadfast leadership and diverse experiences of its team members. Meet the experts, conservation leaders, scientists, and staff that embody Highstead’s mission to build a healthier, more liveable world for all in our new interview series.

Jesse: I am the grounds and facilities coordinator and responsible for the general upkeep of the Highstead barn and surrounding landscape. I also provide logistical support for events on-site and participate in some partner-sponsored and hosted activities.

Jesse: An interest in horticulture and tree care got me interested in Highstead, and a desire to work around positive people with similar interests was a bonus. With an emphasis on education, research, and outreach, I saw Highstead as an organization I could learn from and grow with, and where I could take pride in my work while knowing that I was doing something to help preserve the natural environment and resources we are all dependent upon.

Jesse: My job involves a variety of indoor and outdoor work that’s challenging and equally rewarding. I enjoy the outdoor work the most, especially when the weather is nice. In particular, I find fulfillment through planting and pruning, and being on the property every day, witnessing all the wildlife and seasonal changes. I really feel a connection to the land.

Jesse: My motivation comes partly from knowing that the work I do locally helps drive conservation on a larger scale. In a simpler form, I find encouragement directly through my work with plants. I enjoy pruning because it is a way to express myself artistically while also utilizing my knowledge to help guide my cuts. As much as I enjoy pruning, it’s also inspiring to see how plants adapt and grow when left to their own devices.

Jesse: Becoming a certified arborist. I have two licenses; one through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) and the other is a professional certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Those achievements stick out to me because they represent a time in my life when I really began to understand what I wanted to do professionally and helped guide me to where I am today.

Jesse: My grandparents, although not conservationists, were avid birders and active in local groups focused on the environment. If I had to credit anyone for getting me interested in the great outdoors, it would be them. They would almost always be doing something outside, whether gardening, fishing, bird watching, or just taking a walk. They loved to share their experiences with us.

Jesse: Some challenges I see are:

Jesse: My family has a cabin and some land in New Hampshire (thanks to my Grandparents), near the White Mountains. I have many fond memories of visiting there over the years. It’s special because of what it lacks: running water and electricity. Staying there for even a few days is a great way to remember how lucky we are to have all the amenities we do. One of my favorite things to do there is to walk the trails around the property. It’s especially charming in the winter because the woods are often quiet enough to hear the snowfall.

Jesse: I think it’s important that we first try to learn their stories when making an appeal to individuals (and groups) outside our own circle. I think by listening and understanding, we have a better chance at finding common ground and achieving success through mutual cooperation.