Ecological Restoration Intern crews: 2023

The prairies, woodlands, savannas, and wetlands of Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) sanctuaries get a huge boost each summer through our two paid ecological restoration internship programs. Each summer, 10-12 undergraduate students spend 40 hours per week studying and practicing the techniques of bringing landscapes back to their native glory. We can’t thank them enough for their hard work and energy!

Six interns will be based at Faville Grove Sanctuary in Jefferson County, also helping at Hope Lake Bog, and Snapper Prairie and Faville Prairie State Natural Areas. The interns participating in the Prairie Partners program will be in Dane and Columbia Counties at Goose Pond Sanctuary, Cherokee Marsh, Empire Prairies State Natural Area, Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area, and Pheasant Branch Conservancy. We are excited for them to join us in this important work!

Special Thanks to the Caerus Foundation for their generous support of the SoWBA summer intern program!

Cover photo by Jack Doughtery

Josh Brazee (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Mourning Dove

I applied for this internship program to get hands-on experience in the field of conservation and be on the frontlines of this effort to create long-lasting effects for the betterment of biodiversity. I am most looking forward to getting out and getting my hands dirty, while also getting to see a lot of birds of course!

I am a farm-raised Wisconsinite who has always been passionate about conserving the natural world. Although I am studying botany, I have always had a major passion for birds. When I was young both of my grandmothers developed my interest in these animals at an early age; one of my favorite activities at that time was to sit by the window and see what brightly colored birds would fly up to the feeder. This resulted in my time during middle school and high school being spent wandering around my family’s farmland to investigate life in the sky, the trees, and wherever else I could find it. As an adult, I am extremely excited to put my boyhood passion into action with the work I will do with the Madison Audubon this summer.

Olivia Granec (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Common Loon (because of their haunting calls!)

I applied for this internship program in order to gain habitat restoration knowledge. This will be my first job in the conservation field! I am most looking forward to working outside in nature and seeing lots of bird species this summer.

I am a sophomore from Fort Atkinson, WI, pursuing a double major in conservation biology and gender and women’s studies, with a certificate in digital cinema production. I enjoy filmmaking and am passionate about biology, sustainability, and human rights. On campus, I dance and choreograph for Optima Dance, and am involved in the PAVE (Promoting Awareness & Victim Empowerment) Volunteer Leadership Program. I am happiest when I am outside and in my free time I enjoy running, playing tennis, playing piano, birdwatching, and hiking with my family!

Samuel Guerra (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Sandhill Crane

I applied to this internship because I wanted to work in nature alongside people interested in ecosystem conservation and develop my skills as an ecological restoration technician. I am looking forward to seeing how the landscape changes over the course of summer and how our practices have an impact on the species that are present.

I am originally from Chicago and love exploring the UW-Arboretum and state parks near Madison. I am graduating with a degree in conservation biology and environmental studies. My favorite classes have involved identification and taxonomy of plants, insects, and birds; I enjoy using that knowledge whenever I go out in nature. I’ve volunteered at community gardens in Chicago and at the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Growing up in an urban environment, I strongly believe that access to green spaces, like a community garden, is critical to connecting people with nature and their own neighborhood. I hope to learn more about ecosystem dynamics and so I am well-equipped to think about community-level ecology.

Lexi Kohn (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Hummingbird (I love planting different flowers to attract them!)

I applied for this internship program because restoration ecology is a job that I envision myself pursuing in the future. I am looking forward to collaborating with people who share my passion of making a positive impact on the environment.

I am a student attending UW-Madison. I am studying wildlife ecology because I am very interested in restoring habitats as well as working with plants and animals. I grew up on an organic farm, West Star Organics, where we grow starter plants for home gardeners. Working at my family’s greenhouse business has sparked my love for plants and the outdoors. Some of my hobbies include mushroom hunting, gardening, crocheting, spending time with my loved ones, and literally anything outside!

Grace Lezotte (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Downy Woodpecker

I applied for this internship program because I wanted to learn more about restoration ecology, especially the projects currently underway in Wisconsin. I am looking forward to spending my summer getting to know my fellow interns as we learn more about the restoration and maintenance projects underway at Faville Grove Sanctuary.

I just completed my second year at UW–Madison, where I study environmental sciences and sustainability. When I’m not in class, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and hammocking. I’m also an avid coffee-drinker (with oat milk, of course, because I’m vegan!), so if I’m not outside, you can probably find me at a local café. I strongly believe that our natural world holds a great deal of intrinsic value and therefore deserves to be treated with the utmost appreciation and respect. I am constantly striving to strengthen my relationship with the environment upon which I am fortunate enough to reside, hence my interest in becoming actively involved in restoration ecology.

Mikaël Rohou (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Peregrine Falcon

I applied for this internship program because I love nature/conservation and I love birds, which are the main focuses of this internship. I am enthusiastic to start my internship at Faville Grove this summer to meet new people that also share a passion for wildlife.

I am a sophomore at UW–Madison where I am studying to receive a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and a minor in environmental studies. I've always had a love of nature, which was highly encouraged by my family when I was a child. I love going on hikes, fishing, cooking, and reading outdoors. I especially love going on hikes in France, where my family is from. As I advance in my academic and professional career, I am looking to go to graduate school to get my master’s degree. I plan on narrowing my area of study towards becoming an ornithologist with a focus on conservation.

Krister Martensson (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Turquoise-browed Motmot

I applied for this internship program because I enjoy working outside and I know I can learn a lot of valuable land management practices from the variety of ecosystems we will be working in. I am looking forward to meeting the other interns in the program and helping maintain the diverse ecosystems Wisconsin has to offer.

I am a junior studying environmental science and global health hoping to learn more about careers in science and land management. I grew up in Milwaukee and am passionate about maintaining natural Wisconsin landscapes, so I'm very excited to work directly with Madison Audubon this summer. I am studying abroad in Paris this spring but I can’t wait to come back and enjoy another summer season in Madison. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, climbing, and any activity that keeps me outdoors.

Paul Millan (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: American Woodcock

I applied for this internship program to spend time in nature over the summer and improve my overall understanding of the prairie ecosystem. I am most looking forward to spending quite a bit of time outdoors as well as learning all of the different plant species that are native to the area.

I am from Florence, Wisconsin. Living in a small town has given me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in nature. Some things that I love to do in my free time include hunting, having bonfires, reading books on permaculture/agroforestry, and brook trout fishing. I am most interested in how water and nature interact with one another. I am in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences majoring in environmental science and so far, I am loving it. I am living in Madison this summer and I am very excited to be part of this amazing program.

Maurisa “Mo” Perez (she/they)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Ruby-throated Hummingbird or Black-billed Magpie

I love doing conservation fieldwork and seeing projects come together. It can be a thankless job, but being able to see the difference of my personal impact on the land with my own eyes made me want to do this. I'm looking forward to being around like-minded individuals and learning from them, plus getting a nice farmer’s tan.

I am a 4th-year undergraduate student studying environmental studies. I believe fostering a positive relationship between communities and green spaces is crucial in furthering sustainability and know that diversifying the conservation field is necessary to achieve this relationship. I’m particularly interested in socioeconomic accessibility to green spaces, and mutual aid in providing resources to increase access. I discovered this passion by reconnecting with where my first positive environmental experience was sowed. Since then, I’ve worked hard to contribute to the conservation efforts in the Madison community. Find me walking around Madison drinking coffee, crafting, people-watching, or at local concert venues enjoying live music.

Katie Porubcan (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Common Loon

This program is a great opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience with restoration. I also admire the organization’s strong commitment to the Madison community and dedication to the health of Wisconsin's ecosystems. I am very excited to learn more about prairies alongside other people passionate about the outdoors!

I am a recent graduate from UW–Madison where I studied conservation biology, geography, and environmental studies. I am a Wisconsin native and have always been drawn to the beautiful and diverse landscapes and ecosystem the state has to offer. In my free time, I enjoy birding, reading, and spending time with family and friends!

Emma Thogmartin (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Tufted Titmouse

I applied for this internship because the program’s goals closely match my own interests. I am most looking forward to expanding my knowledge of restoration practices during this internship.

I am a conservation biology and environmental studies student originally from Onalaska, WI. I have a younger brother who will be a Junior at the University of Minnesota this coming fall. I also have two gray cats, Midnight and Shadow, that live with my parents. Outside of being in nature, I love to read, bake, and make things. My current crafty projects include cross stitching, bead animals, and beaded jewelry. I was very fortunate to have spent a lot of time in the outdoors as a child and given many opportunities to interact with nature in a variety of ways, many of which have inspired my current career trajectory. One such opportunity was volunteering at World Migratory Bird Day events in the La Crosse area with a banding team. Having the chance to interact with birds closely fueled my continued interest in birds.