Explore the Natural World.
Discover Your Connection.
About
Mt Adams
Institute
Mt. Adams Institute provides programs that strengthen the connection between people and the natural world through education, service, career development & research.
VetsWork
VetsWork is an eleven month career development internship program for military veterans in the natural resources management, public lands, and environment sector.
Sense of Place
Sense of Place features speakers with unique knowledge of the Columbia River Gorge. These stories deepen our understanding and connection to nature and each other.
Land Stewards
Land Stewards is a career development program for young adults, ages 21-30, interested in learning more about public lands and natural resources management.
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp is a place-based outdoor science education opportunity for youth curious about exploring and understanding the natural world.
Lodging
Join us at Base Camp, our facility in Trout Lake, Washington, adjacent to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Latest News
Questions?
If you have questions about our opportunities, please contact us.
Thank you.
Over the course of his internship Cooper Roberts learned a lot. Like…a lot a lot. And he also helped to teach his supervisor some things along the way!
"We threw him in the deep end of a mid-career GIS analysis process…a lot of times I felt like I was the guy on the side of the pool saying, “swim, swim!”...after shoving him in…These were advanced concepts he was learning,” said Paul Cereghino, Cooper’s Supervisor.
“It felt like every week was a new question, a new frame of understanding about really complex concepts that I had no experience in,” said Cooper.
But instead of hitting the fetal position as many might have, Cooper, a soft spoken powerhouse of an AmeriCorps member, serving as an VetsWork Intern at the NOAA Restoration Center in Lacey, WA, chose to approach the situation with curiosity, a drive to learn, and a desire to keep the ball rolling on important projects. And so he resolved to spend his internship learning nearshore ecology, ecosystem service modeling, and GIS skills. Doing everything from installing log jams to conducting complex habitat assessments and documentation processes necessary to gain footing for vital restoration projects.
He also learned how to collaborate and navigate a multi group work place, where he had to work with everyone from scientists to project management leadership. All while learning to adjust to a new place and a new community.
In short: he was a very busy guy these past 11 months.
“I was amazed..no matter how hard it was he never lost that curiosity about how things fit together,” said Paul.
Now, as he continues his studies, Cooper carries forward a deeper understanding of habitat restoration, a strengthened sense of community, and a mentor-turned-neighbor in Paul.
🌎🐟 Learn more about Cooper`s story by reading his field notes on our website. (Link in bio.)
@noaa
@noaafisherieswestcoast
@noaaocean
@americorps
#mtadamsinstitue #Americorps #vetswork #careerdevelopment #veterans #publiclands

To view currently open positions visit our website. (link in bio)
Recently, a White House memo temporarily paused federal funding, which impacted recruitment for some of our 2025 VetsWork and Land Stewards internships. While the memo has now been rescinded, the federal review of all federal aid continues.
The good news: Recruitment for some of our internships has resumed! We’re also continuing to develop new positions and partnerships that will be shared as they become available.
Thank you for your patience and continued support!
- Mt. Adams Institue
#Mtadamsinstitute #americorps #vetswork #landstewards

Standing hip-deep in the still waters of Conboy Lake, Sophi Mosbrucker found herself surrounded by stars—not just above, but reflected all around her in the glassy surface. ✨ In that moment, the night was alive with sound: the calls of bullfrogs, the hum of insects, the quiet laughter of her fellow interns as they moved through the dark. It was a night of adventure, connection, and conservation—a moment she’ll never forget.
But Sophi’s impact at Conboy Lake extends far beyond the magic of a single night. Over the course of her Refuge Technician internship, she:
🐸 Removed 650+ invasive American bullfrogs to protect native species such as the rare Oregon Spotted frog.
🦅 Monitored five pairs of Greater Sandhill Cranes, surveying their habitat
🌱 Assessed thousands of acres for restoration and invasive species treatment
💧 Surveyed freshwater mussels, uncovering crucial data for conservation efforts
Her supervisor, Robyn Reeder-King, shared:
"Sophi brought a wonderful level of enthusiasm to the position… Her attention to detail made her a natural data editor and manager, a crucial part of every survey."
And for Sophi, this season was life-changing:
"This season changed me down to my bones. I know things about myself now and what I want that I just never even had really considered. I will talk about the mussel survey for the rest of my life. I literally have talked it to death to everyone in my life and I will continue to do that because it was a truly magical experience."
We are beyond grateful for Sophi’s dedication and passion, and we know her impact will ripple far beyond her time at Conboy Lake. 💙
🌟Want to read more prose showcasing the beauty of nature and get a first hand look at a bullfrog hunt looks like? Visit: https://mtadamsinstitute.org/field-notes-sophia-mosbrucker-stars-in-the-dark
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
#MtAdamsInstitute #AmeriCorps #ConservationInAction #FieldNotes #LandStewards #PublicLands #WildlifeRefuge #conboylakenationalwildliferefuge #conboylake #careerdevelopment

As an organization that partners with federal agencies, we are currently in the process of responding to White House directives that are affecting our federal funding and partnerships. Although a federal judge temporarily blocked the directive on Tuesday afternoon, at this time, recruitment is paused for our VetsWork and Land Stewards programs, until there is a final ruling. We will update our social media as more information becomes available.
#mtadamsinstitute #americorps #vetswork #landstewards
