Our census interns have been the engine of our forest census. We’ve had many over the years – thanks in part to our fortunate relationships with the Student Conservation Association and Alabama A&M.
But this year’s crew deserves special praise. Some of them, like Gabriel Sullivan-Brugger, will be taking their skills to other important conservation and wildlife programs. Our long term census leader, Joao Pedro de Godoy, hopes to further his studies at prestigious universities in Europe. We’re going to miss them, but we’re doing all we can to help these folks find the positions and opportunities they deserve. That’s part of our mission.
Fortunately, three of our research interns will become part of our permanent research staff this year. Nathan Paris, an expert botanist who did his masters work on native plants of northeast Alabama, will be leading our new forest census and shortleaf pine restoration efforts.
Mary Wells will be coordinating our bird, bat, invertebrate and cave research, working to make sure researchers have the resources they need to do their work here.
Landon Rakestraw will be coordinating our aquatic, mammal and fire management programs. All will be working to polish the census data they’ve so carefully collected.
Keep your eyes on Sakora Smeby. She started work as a census intern, but has evolved into a member of our communications and outreach team. You’ve already enjoyed posts and photos from Sakora over the past several months, and she’ll be alternating with Bill Finch to keep you up to date on what’s happening at the center. Look for her column logo in future newsletters.
They’re the folks who are going to help us keep this research center growing into the next century.
Finally, this non-profit is finally ready for some serious business. And for the first time in 7 years we have staff members ready to tack the business of being a non-profit. Connie Schulz is our new operations manager. Becky Sims is our new facilities manager and scheduler. They’re part-time for now, but they’re already making a world of difference in how and how well we work.