2011 Career Discovery Internship ProgramNathan PaceMillbrook, New York is a small community in the Hudson Valley of New York. It is primarily farmland and forest surrounding a small village in the center of town with little housing development. The village of Millbrook is a step back in time, with an independent grocery and small locally owned shops. My experience with nature was shaped by my surroundings, I was fortunate to live and play in a rural community within two hours of New York City, therefore having exposure to both worlds. Growing up surrounded by the Hudson River and many beautiful lakes, streams, and forests I was exposed to the intrinsic value and beauty of natural resources from a young age. This experience helped to create who I am as a young adult and my aspirations to help protect land and natural resources through conservation. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Environmental Science at American University in Washington, DC. I am a member of the Eco-Sense ( Environmental Club). Additionally, I am a volunteer with at an urban farm in DC whose mission is to grow food for low-income residents of the surrounding community. I assist the farm in planting and preparing the beds for harvest as well as organizing events and fundraisers. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling. I was very interested in the mission of the SCA and feel strongly that conservation of nature is imperative for the successful functioning of the planets ecosystem. When I was approached by the SCA with information about the CDIP internship I researched the USFWS and learned their mission was very similar. The CDIP internship is the training and hands on experience I was looking for to start my career in conservation. Through my experience as a CDIP intern I hope to understand the goals of the FWS from the perspective of my site in Rhode Island. I also am looking forward to learning more about the primary projects I have been assigned to: shore birds habitat protection and New England Cotton Tail population restoration. Additionally, I hope to make permanent contacts with the folks I work with and interact with through the Service that I can call on in the future. In the future I hope to work on land acquisition for protection and land conservation projects around the world. Back to the 2011 CDIP Crew |
