For about the last decade, the Knox County Parks District has been sponsoring an internship program designed for college students planning on getting into a park-related profession. Administrative Assistant Darcie Litton said the program gives interns “relevant skills” for their resumes.
“Because this program is hands-on, it provides a practical education in many of the areas in which interns may find themselves during their careers, providing professional opportunities and personal growth,” Litton said.
This year’s interns are Elizabeth Diehl and Ethan Brooks. Diehl is entering her second year at Bowling Green University, majoring in biology with conservation and ecology. She has worked in the herpetology lab at the university and was responsible for several types of snakes. She would feed them and record data while giving tours to students and parents visiting the lab.
Ethan Brooks is a sophomore at Ohio University, majoring in wildlife and conservation biology. Brooks is an Eagle Scout who enjoys forestry and service projects that benefit the community.
According to Litton, the internship is for students majoring in natural resources, environmental sciences, wildlife management, biology or a closely related field. It provides hands-on learning for the interns.
Some projects this summer have included string trimming bluebird boxes, felling dead trees, cleaning the Knox County Park District signs at parks and river accesses, mulching flower beds, tending to kiosks and memorial benches, working with volunteers to control garlic mustard and invasive plants, and operating the Park District booth at the Knox County Fair. They have also planned and carried out educational programs for children.
Director Lori Totman had high praise for the interns’ work, saying they are both “enthusiastic learners with a passion for all things nature.”
While working at Honey Run Highlands Park, they unexpectedly discovered a northern red salamander and a gray tree frog with Totman’s help.
“During their first week at the Knox County Park District, they have worked hard, had fun and enjoyed making a positive difference,” Totman said.
