A mid-summer reflection from UPLC's land monitoring intern ...
This summer, as a Land Stewardship Intern with the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy (UPLC), I have had the privilege of exploring and preserving many of the UP's stunning conservation areas. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the vital work we do and has allowed me to apply my knowledge of land management in meaningful ways. From the moment I began, I was captivated by the region's natural beauty and felt a profound sense of purpose in contributing to the preservation of these remarkable landscapes.
In my first few monitoring assignments, Pink Lady Slippers were in bloom everywhere I went. As a Minnesota native, I hold dearly the Pink Lady Slipper, which is the state flower. I had not had the chance to see one until my monitoring visit to Ford Eagle Conservation Preserve. At last, my dream came true! A week later, at Torys Woods Preserve, I spotted them so often it was hard not to step on them. Every time I noticed one of the elegant pink flowers, I felt a deep sense of joy and luck in my position to be able to observe the plants.
I believe that community links us all, and is one of the most important things everyone contributes to. While working with UPLC, I have been given the chance to contribute to the community in many ways. For Art Week this year, UPLC worked with the local community artist Todd Carter to put on an event called “How Does A Forest Grow?”. Underneath a tent at Picnic Rocks, I helped teach the public about the mycorrhizal fungi that connects the trees and plants in a forest to one another. This “wood wide web” of connection between the forest community lets older trees nurture their young by sending nutrients through the fungi to help the young trees grow. Then when the trees grow, after being supported when young, return the favor and send nutrients back to the older trees. Throughout the process of this event, I felt a lot like the younger trees at times. I received support and knowledge from the community around me, and I strive to put this support back into the community by protecting our lands and environment.
Although my time with UPLC has been brief, I already feel deeply connected to an organization that has been championing conservation efforts for 25 years. This internship has allowed me to apply my skills in ways that truly matter while exploring new local lands each week. I am incredibly grateful to have found a place where each day brings new opportunities to not only learn about the land we protect, but also the communities who we steward and share it with.
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