Summer 2026 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. Two interns will be based at Goose Pond Sanctuary in Columbia County, also helping at Otsego Marsh, Erstad Prairie, and Hillside Prairie Sanctuary. 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.

Francesca “Frankie” Germano (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Pileated Woodpecker

I applied for the program because I was excited to learn more about the process of landscape restoration and maintenance, especially with how it relates to the habitats of Southern Wisconsin. I am very interested in getting to know new people with similar interests. I am also looking forward to learning about different plants and animals found on the sanctuary, and different practices for caring for them!

I am a first-year student at UW–Madison studying environmental science, with an interest in sustainability, and plants. My interest and care for the environment comes from growing up in northern Wisconsin. This background provided me a deep respect and understanding of Lake Superior and the unique ecological features that my home has, and gave me a strong desire to preserve the environment for future generations.

Mihir Gupta (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Koel

When I came across the opportunity to work in a restoration ecology internship, I was very excited as I am fascinated by plants, love noticing patterns in nature and find birds very cool as descendants of dinosaurs. I am most looking forward to just being present in nature and enjoying working with my hands.

I grew up in India on the outskirts of Bangalore and was always surrounded by tropical forests and greenery. Seeing a large mall and train station replace the forest in front of my home really lit a spark in me to move towards ecology and restoration. I am a senior at UW–Madison majoring in economics and data science, but over the last two semesters I switched into ecology. I have been doing research in mixing machine learning and ecology trying to understand forest fire history in northern Wisconsin and I really like it. I also enjoy having outdoor-related hobbies, like windsurfing, tennis, hiking, and running.

Kiersten Koets (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Killdeer

I applied to the restoration ecology internship as I am passionate about wildlife, birds, and conservation. This internship seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my interests, and I am looking forward to spending my summer outdoors to help preserve local populations.

I am a sophomore studying Animal and Veterinary Biosciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. I am originally from Minnesota, and I have enjoyed getting to know the Madison area over the past two years. For fun, I enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, backpacking, [insert any outdoor activity here], painting, and drawing. At Madison, I am extremely involved in Hoofer Outing, an outdoor recreation club, where I volunteer as a mountain biking and backpacking leader in my free time.

Jackson Nesbit (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Greater Prairie-Chicken

I applied to join this internship to gain more hands-on experience in the field and to learn more about natural resources management. I’m most looking forward to getting to know my fellow interns and spending the summer making a positive impact on local ecosystems.

I am from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and currently attend UW–Madison, where I am studying conservation biology, environmental studies, and life science communications. As far back as I can remember, I have loved all things wildlife. I spend as much of my free time as possible out in nature, whether that be hiking, fishing, birdwatching, or shooting wildlife photography. Along with my love for the outdoors, I also have a deep passion for music. I enjoy playing guitar and singing with my a cappella group, the UW Madhatters. I’m looking forward to spending the summer with Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance.

Ross O’Donnell (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Rock Pigeon

I applied to join this program so I could do what I love working hands-on in nature, and have a really tangible, positive impact on our native ecosystems. I’m most looking forward to getting familiar with the ecosystems at Faville Grove, and seeing them change and improve over the course of the season!

This spring, I graduated from the environmental science program at University of Wisconsin–Madison, focusing in ecology, and am eager to dive into a career working with the ecosystems around me. I especially love working with plants, and spent two years working with cycads in the botany lab, as well as growing microgreens in my apartment. I’m excited to spend more time outdoors, and get to know our native Wisconsin wildlife a little better.

Travis Wagy (he/him)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Wood Duck

I applied to join this internship program because I wanted to learn more about restoration ecology and explore all that is possible in that subject. I am most excited to all of the different ecosystems that I will get to work with in this job this summer.

I am a sophomore studying wildlife ecology at University of Wisconsin–Madison. I have always loved the outdoors from a young age. Growing up, I spent a lot of my time in the woods near my home in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and near the water at my cabin in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. In my free time, I enjoy birding, playing various sports, and listening to music. My goal for this summer is to spend as much time outside as possible. In the future, I plan to work in the conservation field where I can restore habitats and protect ecosystems. 

Raquel Bello (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: African Spoonbill and Sora

I applied for the internship because I aspire to be able to lead and organize restoration projects in the future. I hope to supplement my knowledge on the principles of restoration ecology and I am excited to work in prairies, savannas, and wetlands.

My name is Raquel and I am a senior studying conservation biology and Spanish. I am passionate about supporting self-sufficiency in communities. I am interested in ecological restoration because I want to learn how we can repair damaged ecosystems for everyone. My hobbies include playing violin, reading, photography, and spending as much time outside as I can! Next year I plan to pursue a master’s degree in environmental science.

Eva Weddell (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Red-tailed Hawk, because the connection my family has with them

I applied to this internship because I’m inspired and amazed by the people and the work being done at SoWBA. I’m excited to learn and connect over plants especially culturally important ones.

Han, mitakiyapi (hello relatives) name is Eva Weddell and I am from the Ihanktonwan Dakota Oyate. My family comes from southeastern South Dakota near the Missouri River. I’m a graduate student in the agroecology master’s program. My interests are in prairie plants and earth data science. I’ve volunteered at SoWBA plenty of times to assist with seed collection and prescribed burns. Pidamayaye (thank you)!

Aileena “Leena” Ilanderage (she/her)
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Favorite bird: Allen’s Hummingbird

I applied to join the internship program because it is such a great opportunity for students coming from underrepresented backgrounds to learn and be able to showcase and apply their skills and knowledge to real life experiences in the field. I am looking forward to participating in different restoration ecology projects, but I also [fingers crossed] hope to learn how to make some really cool bird calls!

I am currently entering my junior year at UW–Madison, where I am double-majoring in wildlife ecology and environmental studies and involved with the Wildlife Society and Zoological Society. I grew up on a dairy farm in nearby Evansville. In my free time, I really enjoy going on walks, exploring new hiking spots with my dogs, road trips, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends & family. I am passionate about endangered species conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental/conservation policy. I also love to travel, and hope to continue traveling the world exploring these areas of interest in my future career!