Fire Ecology Internship
Fire regime, our communities, and biodiversity are inextricably interconnected in Orange County. Recent large fires, such as the Silverado and Bond Fires, have affected our communities and shaped the landscape in ways that are likely felt by all living in Orange County.
In 2021, Crystal Cove Conservancy’s education team piloted an internship program for high school students interested in conservation ecology and how it’s practiced in Orange County. We’re happy to announce that, thanks to the support of the California State Parks Foundation, this program is back for a second year!
Under the guidance of Crystal Cove Conservancy mentors, interns work together as a team to explore the relationships between fire, human activity, and the landscape. By the end of the internship, these students will be able to explain how fire affected local ecosystems before current fire suppression regimes and how they are affected now. They’ll visit a recent burn site in Orange County, propose research questions, and use the observations they have made to build upon the research of prior interns.
This year’s interns come from across Orange County and a have a wide range of backgrounds and interests. A few of them shared some thoughts with us.
Aiden H., 11th Grade, Oxford Academy
What made you interested in studying fire ecology?
My interest in Boy Scout conservation projects has affected my liking to this internship greatly, as I am able to better appreciate how the world around us functions.
What are you looking forward to learning? What are you hoping to get out of this internship?
I am looking forward to learning how to properly collect data, analyze it, and utilize it in a method that is helpful for the community. I hope to learn skills that will help me in future professions, as well as to get a head start in classes I might take in college.
Do you have any previous experience doing environmental science?
I am currently attending school classes in AP Environmental science, as well as community service projects in my Boy Scouts.
Are you interested in working in conservation fields when you are through with your studies?
I am definitely interested in pursuing conservation related careers or opportunities after my education, as I feel that it is something that I exceed in and enjoy at the same time.
Dean C., 11th Grade, Dana Hills High School
What made you interested in studying fire ecology?
Residing in California, I have seen many wildfires and the impact they have on our communities. I have developed and interest in what exactly they are and how they form. As well as, understanding how it affects our local ecosystems, not just our own communities.
What are you looking forward to learning? What are you hoping to get out of this internship?
I am most looking forward to getting to know our environment better and being able to gain valuable skills and knowledge through the internship. Skills in which I can use in the future to further make a difference by helping our natural environments thrive, and knowledge to expand my understand and help educate others about our environment so that the message of conversation can spread. I am looking to meet new friends, and gain experience in environmental science. I have been deeply interested in this field for quite some time. Any way which I can gain more experience or meet like minded people is time well spent.
Do you have any previous experience doing environmental science?
Yes, I have previously helped the SAGE Environmental Group with public events. SAGE is best known for their goat grazing work which not only help fight wild fires but also promote local flora to take root and thrive. Our public events aimed to expose our communities to goats and educate people about their job. There are many benefits and nuances to using goat grazing over machine work.
Are you interested in working in conservation fields when you are through with your studies?
Absolutely, it is my dream job to work in the field and help nature flourish. It’s no secret that our environment is under stress due to human activity. Soon the damage we have caused will be irreversible. Growing up I developed a love and passion for nature and wildlife. Thus, I feel strongly that it our duty to help protect and conserve nature alongside its beauties and mysteries.
Tristhan L, 11th Grade, Magnolia High School
What are you looking forward to learning? What are you hoping to get out of this internship?
Fire ecology is a new field to me. As I am open to expand my eyes into different sectors of science, partaking in field work and research in fire ecology for the first time makes me excited to learn more of the dynamics of fire in wildlife—specifically, Crystal Cove. Despite learning so much on the first day of how wildfires detrimentally and positively affect the areas we inhabit, I am excited to learn more of how land managers proceed with fire restoration especially in Orange County.
Are you interested in working in conservation fields when you are through with your studies?
I am looking to major in urban development in the future. This internship enables me to see what the realm of urban planning and environmental science is like.
Thank you to California State Parks Foundation for sponsoring the 2022 Fire Ecology Internship program through their Wildfire Resiliency and Prevention grant program! For more information on CSPF and this grant program, visit their website.