Jessica Rodriguez reflects on her transformative journey as an MAI Land Stewards intern, From wielding chainsaws to exploring fire ecology, her experiences at Mt. Hood have reshaped her career goals and deepened her connection to the outdoors. Join her as she shares how this season of learning and growth has sprouted new possibilities for her future.
Dirt Bike Dreams
Aaron Lindsey reflects on how his MAI internship with the USFS Entiat Ranger District allowed him to merge his lifelong passion for dirt bikes with his love for the outdoors. Spending a summer working in the stunning Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest, Aaron shares his gratitude for the experience and the incredible people he met along the way.
The Golden Ticket: An Epic AmeriCorps Adventure
Jonluke’s journey as a Land Stewardw intern has been nothing short of an ncredible adventure! From finding morels to working on the frontlines of forest fires, he’s embraced every challenge and opportunity along the way.
Field Notes: In the Trenches with BRAT: A Summer of Bullfrog Removal and Conservation
Land Steward Maiya McAuliffe, talks about invasive species control at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Glenwood, WA. This is my first position as a biology. “This is my first position as a biology technician post graduation and I couldn’t have stumbled across a better first job.”
2024 Land Stewards: David Dzwonar
I grew up in Indianapolis a very active kid - playing sports and spending most of my time outside in our yard and neighborhood. I fell in love with public lands and the outdoors at large after high school when I started rock climbing. I bounced around for a while before landing in Arizona and...
2024 Land Stewards: Autumn Youngberg
I grew up in a rural area and spent most of my childhood outdoors. Family camping and hiking trips were a central experience for me growing up. I received my degree in Anthropology, and worked indoors for a long time. I missed the outdoors and had to get back out there! I chose this internship to...
2024 Land Stewards: JonLuke Mowell
Hey y’all! My names JonLuke Mowell and I’m from Myersville, Maryland. My love for nature begins with my home and childhood; my surroundings were farm fields mixing with the Appalachian Mountains. This landscape became the backdrop for my passion in many different outdoor activities. By high...
2024 Land Stewards: Sophia Mosbrucker
I grew up in Spokane, Washington in a tight-knit family, all with a love for the outdoors. Living in Spokane gave me a lot of access to outdoor recreation; I grew up Nordic skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and so much more. I've always found being outdoors grounds and fulfils me. I am extremely...
2024 Land Stewards: Palmer McDaniel
Hi y'all, my name is Palmer. I grew up in Georgia and moved to Seattle when I was about 11. I fell in love with the outdoors from an early age as my family often went camping, and after moving to Washington this was increased tenfold. I feel as though the mountains are my home and hope for a time...
2024 Land Stewards: Maiya McAuliffe
Hello! My name is Maiya McAuliffe; I am from Tacoma, WA, as well as a recent graduate from Pacific Lutheran University with Bachelors Degree's in Biology and Hispanic Studies. I have been active outdoors person, whether it’s hiking, backpacking, scuba diving, kayaking, or snowboarding, I am up for...
Behind the Scenes: How a Mt. Adams Institute Intern Helped Select the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
When AmeriCorps VetsWork intern Emily Kosterman signed on to serve with the U.S. Forest Service, she never imagined she’d play a role in selecting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
A Jack of All Leaves
Jessica Rodriguez reflects on her transformative journey as an MAI Land Stewards intern, From wielding chainsaws to exploring fire ecology, her experiences at Mt. Hood have reshaped her career goals and deepened her connection to the outdoors. Join her as she shares how this season of learning and growth has sprouted new possibilities for her future.
Building Bridges: Taryn’s Path from Military Service to Environmental Restoration
Meet Taryn Oseen, a VetsWork intern with NOAA’s Restoration Center who embodies the mission of creating connections—between people, nature, and professional growth. As a Navy veteran pursuing a career in environmental science, Taryn joined the program to gain real-world experience and close the gap between academic training and career readiness.
End-of-Year Giving Campaign: Invest in Connection to Change Lives
Changing lives and the landscape one internship at a time.
Dirt Bike Dreams
Aaron Lindsey reflects on how his MAI internship with the USFS Entiat Ranger District allowed him to merge his lifelong passion for dirt bikes with his love for the outdoors. Spending a summer working in the stunning Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest, Aaron shares his gratitude for the experience and the incredible people he met along the way.
The Golden Ticket: An Epic AmeriCorps Adventure
Jonluke’s journey as a Land Stewardw intern has been nothing short of an ncredible adventure! From finding morels to working on the frontlines of forest fires, he’s embraced every challenge and opportunity along the way.
Field Notes: In the Trenches with BRAT: A Summer of Bullfrog Removal and Conservation
Land Steward Maiya McAuliffe, talks about invasive species control at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Glenwood, WA. This is my first position as a biology. “This is my first position as a biology technician post graduation and I couldn’t have stumbled across a better first job.”
The Watershed Rock Opera
To Celebrate 15 years of Sense of Place we present… “THE GREATEST ROCK OPERA EVER PRODUCED ABOUT A WATERSHED*”
Coming to Hood River, Oregon in April of 2025.
2024 Land Stewards: David Dzwonar
I grew up in Indianapolis a very active kid - playing sports and spending most of my time outside in our yard and neighborhood. I fell in love with public lands and the outdoors at large after high school when I started rock climbing. I bounced around for a while...
2024 VetsWork: Joshua Leventhal
I grew up in Salem, Oregon, with my brother, mother, and stepfather. I lived in Salem until I joined the U.S. Navy, where I served as a Hospital Corpsman (Medic) for eight years in various locales/environments. Most of that time was spent with the U. S. Marine Corps,...