Summer 2025 interns

The prairies, woodlands, savannas, and wetlands of Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance sanctuaries get a huge boost each summer through our two paid ecological restoration internship programs. Interns 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, Snapper Prairie, and Faville Prairie State Natural Area. Three interns will be based at Goose Pond Sanctuary in Columbia County, also helping at Otsego Marsh and Erstad Prairie. We are excited for them to join us in this important work!

We are also excited to welcome an intern from the Natural Resource Foundation of Wisconsin’s Diversity in Conservation program. This intern will join our staff, both in the office and in the field, to explore the many facets of conservation work four days each week, then spend one day each week learning with the program’s intern cohort.

Cover photo by Jack Doughtery. A prairie with white and purple flowers.

Nate Caruccio (he/him)
Madison Area Technical College
Favorite bird: Whip-poor-will

I applied to the internship program because ecology fascinates me, and I really wanted to learn more about it and get some hands-on experience with ecological restoration. I also saw it as an amazing stepping stone in my journey to achieving my dream job! I’m really looking forward to working and learning outdoors, developing important relationships with others in my field, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

I am currently in school working towards a degree in wildlife ecology and management. I love nature and being outdoors. Some of my hobbies include photography, drawing, listening to music, and hiking with my two dogs. I also enjoy tending to my numerous house plants and my small community aquarium. 

Leah Jakusz (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Tree Swallow, Bobolink and Common Loon are honorable mentions

I thought this internship would be a great opportunity to spend the summer in nature while practicing the science of restoration ecology and learning from knowledgeable ecologists and land stewards. I can’t wait to see and learn about the diverse plant and wildlife species and get to know and work with our Faville Grove crew!

I spent much of my early years exploring the great outdoors of my home state and developing a love for the natural world. Academically, my passion for conservation and recognition of the immediate need for this work led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology and environmental sciences with certificates in American Indian and Indigenous studies and environmental studies. I graduate this spring with strong interests in pollinator ecology, prescribed fire ecology, agroecology, and native plant gardening. Some of my favorite activities include backpacking, gardening, running, crocheting, and birding.

Keith Krause (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Chickadee

I wanted to join the internship to learn hands-on interactions with ecosystems and work with people that love our landscapes as much as I do. I am most looking forward to gaining valuable experience and knowledge working with ecosystems and landscapes.

I grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and went to Wauwatosa East High School. I love indie music and play guitar! I’m hoping to learn how to write my own songs. I’m very curious about nature and specifically its landscapes, soil, and plants so when I’m out, I dive right into anything that grabs my attention to learn more about it. I’m light-hearted and get along easy with most people, especially those I share interests with about nature!

Breyden Noble (he/him)
Madison Area Technical College
Favorite bird: Great Blue Heron

I applied to the internship program because it sounded a lot like a dream job I’d be applying for after my studies. The experience and the wealth of knowledge out in the prairie is second to none. I’m looking forward to the serene venue for the day-to-day activities. I’ve been able to work outside most of life, but not to the extent as this internship allows. 

I moved to Madison with my wife and two dogs a few years ago. I have a background in the trades, including roofing, concrete, and carpentry. I love all things outdoors and tend to spend a lot of my time engaging with nature in one way or another. Some of my favorite hobbies are reading and writing, especially poetry. I intend to finish my wildlife ecology studies at UW–Madison.

Eliza Volz (she/her)
Northern Michigan University
Favorite bird: Sandhill Crane

I applied to the internship program because I wanted to discover ways to promote the health of our environment and be able to apply this knowledge to my future studies. I’m most excited to spend much of my summer working outdoors and taking time to enjoy Wisconsin’s natural beauty.

I’m just finishing my freshman year of college, majoring in biology with a concentration in ecology. I’ve always been passionate about nature and have spent my life exploring the outdoors through activities like rock climbing, scuba diving, snowboarding, kayaking, and biking. Although I’m fascinated by all species and environments, my true passion lies in marine and freshwater ecosystems. I aspire to become a marine biologist and contribute to reducing the effects of climate change on our oceans. When I’m not outside, you can find me reading, participating in theater, playing tennis, or discovering local coffee shops.

Adeline Wells (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: American Woodcock

I am fascinated by restoration ecology and the necessary work that goes into successful restoration. I hope to pursue a career in/related to ecological restoration and SoWBA seemed like an amazing starting point where I could gain hands-on experience. I am very excited to learn more about Wisconsin’s ecosystems while enacting positive change!

I hold dual degrees in environmental science and conservation biology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, along with a certificate in environmental studies. I am passionate about Wisconsin’s native vegetation and especially interested in the ecology of the state’s plant communities and their role in effective restoration practices. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and have more recently discovered a love for birding. I am committed not only to preserving and restoring Wisconsin’s natural landscapes, but also to promoting equitable access to these spaces for all.

Logan Bahr (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison (alum)
Favorite bird: Sandhill Crane

I grew up less than ten miles from Goose Pond, so I wanted to use my time and energy to give back to a place that has brought me so much joy. I look forward to expanding my conservation skills and becoming a better steward of the land.

Growing up, I spent my life in the forests and fields of southern Wisconsin, where I discovered my passion for native ecosystems. Throughout college, I worked for Sparrow Landscaping installing and maintaining native plant species. After graduation, I worked for UW–Madison’s Jackson and Sanford labs researching regenerative agriculture and managed grazing. I first became involved at Goose Pond helping with prescribed burns and later received my prescribed fire certification. I am excited to spend my summer helping the birds of Wisconsin. I enjoy traveling (by train when possible), learning about history and architecture, and riding my bike.

Becca Black (she/her)
Brigham Young University
Favorite bird: Sandhill Crane and Black-capped Chickadee

I applied because I wanted to improve my restoration skills and get better at Wisconsin plant identification! I’m looking forward to seeing the daily phenological changes at the sanctuary. 

I grew up next to the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin. My time birdwatching, biking, botanizing, and other outdoorsy things that start with ‘B’ instilled a deep love for conservation and the ecology of the Great Lakes area. I am finishing my bachelor’s in wildlife and wildlife conservation at Brigham Young University, after which I intend to pursue a career in ecological restoration and land stewardship. When I’m not mispronouncing botanical Latin, I enjoy reading, writing bad haikus, and looking for cool rocks.

Andy Smith (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Chestnut-sided Warbler

I really enjoyed it last summer and love working outside and trying to help the environment. I am excited for all of the plants, insects, and animals that I will get to see and work around, specifically what I’ll refer to as the three B’s (birds, butterflies, and bumble bees).

I am a forest science major going into my junior year next year. I held this position last summer, had a great time, and decided that I would like to do it again this year. Though I was able to learn and see an incredible amount last year, I felt like there was so much more that I had to learn. I am very excited to see even more cool things and meet even more cool people this summer. I obviously love nature and am really big into birding. I also enjoy soccer and plan to once again run a camp for my local high school team over the summer.

Juanita Duarte (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Whooping Crane

I applied to this internship program because not only will it give me experience with conservation and community education, but it will also connect me to so many people in and out of the field of conservation. I'm excited to learn about all of the different roles within the SoWBA and see where I fit into them.

I am completing my sophomore year at UW–Madison, double-majoring in environmental science and clarinet performance. In my time at UW, I’ve gotten to explore nature in new and exciting ways both personally and in academic settings. I’ve also enjoyed connecting the rigorous science field to the disciplined arts. I am ecstatic to learn more about conservation and has already jumped into birding! In my free time, I love reading, biking, and attending concerts of all kinds.