Feedback From Fall TEK Interns
- Rose High Bear, Founding Director
I’ve been meeting for the past four weeks with our newest cohort of Fall Traditional Ecological Interns here at Elderberry Wisdom Farm. We gather three or four days a week to learn together. Not only are they learning about native plant nursery development and urban forestry but we are also all learning how to provide optimum group mentoring support to our own cohort and prepare to welcome the new team of teenagers joining us in November.
Last Friday, the interns shared their thoughts about our internship. They expressed what it is like working in our native plant nursery. Some of the interns are helping as we prepare to co-teach about urban forestry and native trees to classrooms filled with enthusiastic middle school students. They shared their excitement about plans to work with and mentor our new high school conservation corps. They also shared how our Health and Wellness Resilience discussions are helping them understand more about their journey of transformation.
In this newsletter, we are sharing a few of the interns’ comments.
What we learned this week (October 20-22)
“This week, I learned how to harvest Samaras – the seeds from the bigleaf maple. I also learned how to prepare a soil sample to be tested and the value that having a test done would bring to the farm.”
“We went to Institute for Applied Ecology this week and worked with their team and volunteers transplanting sagebrush. It was really cool to meet people and ask about their career paths because so many conservation pathways are non-linear.”
“I learned practical methods of invasive control. I had not yet worked with a torch or roller for weeding or invasive removal. I am interested in cultural burns and wildland firefighting, so this was a good new experience. I also got experience planting in a semi-aquatic environment which is not something I’ve done before.”
Favorite memory of the week:
“I really enjoyed discussing seeds! This includes discussing the role that sees play in restoration work, seeds on a spiritual level, and relating it to the work we are doing in the native plant nursery as we prepare for the germination phase."
“My favorite memory this week was planting Wapato with the North Santiam Watershed Council. I learned about a native species that I had no prior knowledge of, met new partners and had a great time doing fieldwork.”
“Favorite memory of this week was shoveling dirt out of the white pick up with everyone, and the laughter!”
Did you face challenges this week?
“I don’t know a lot as it pertains to root health, plant identification, planting – which is why I am here – but I pushed myself to ask questions.”
“I don’t feel I faced any challenges this week. So far, my time here has solidified my interests in regenerative agriculture and conservation!”
What mentoring help would you provide to others about this week:
“Be curious and seek answers in a way that is comfortable to you. The interns come in with varying arrays of knowledge on varying subjects. If you don’t know what they are talking about, ask or check out the classroom library.”
“I would tell them not to be afraid to give your whole self to the work. The land you are
stewarding needs and deserves your attention and effort to truly experience reciprocal
relationships.”
For six years, Elderberry Wisdom Farm’s team has continued to provide ever-evolving TEK workforce development training and mentoring. Through more than twenty internships and 100+young conservation interns, we continue to expand our support. Although our evaluation work has included research into other organizations’ best practices in workforce development and group mentoring, the most valuable input has been gained during consultation sessions with our staff, partners and interns. By sharing their experience and perspectives with us, we are able to continue evolving the quality of our support to increasing groups of tomorrow’s conservation leaders.
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