Service-Learning Internship: 2014-Crooked River State Park
Author: Sarah McInnis
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. C. Tate Holbrook
Abstract:
I completed an Service-Learning Internship with Crooked River State Park in St, Mary’s, GA from 26 May 2014 to 03 August 2014. I worked alongside the park’s Interpretive Ranger and Naturalist to learn how to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained at the College of Coastal Georgia. I was responsible for animal care at the park’s Nature Center, and I had the opportunity to lead park programs and participate in public outreach programs. Additionally, I assisted with weekly data collection of wood storks. I located nests, counted adults and nestlings, and estimated the age of nestlings. Wood storks were classified as endangered until 30 JUN 2014, at which time they were reclassified as “threatened”. It was rewarding to be a part of the data collection team when they were reclassified. In addition to the knowledge and skills I gained, this internship reaffirmed my desire to to pursue studies in the field of ecology.
