“Berks Nature is a perfect place to explore my interests in marketing and communications with a supportive work environment. I have been able to develop new skills, interact with cool people, and support environmental issues I care about.”
Berks Nature is able to provide experience to several students each year through our internship program. Along the way, we have had the pleasure of working with very bright and ambitious future leaders! This summer is no exception. We are proud to introduce our 2023 Fellow and our two summer interns:
Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River Fellow
Each year, Berks Nature has the honor of employing an Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River (AWE) Fellow. AWE shares the following about the Fellowship: “Through the support of the William Penn Foundation, this program aims to increase engagement and action toward the protection and restoration of the Delaware River Watershed, while increasing collaboration and capacity of AWE’s centers…” The Fellowship program hopes to expand career opportunities. At Berks Nature, the Fellow becomes a member of the Education team and joins in on the environmental education of preschool to adult participants.
This year, we welcome Sara Motz, the 2023 Fellow, who comes to us from our own city of Reading. Sara is a graduate of Schuylkill Valley High School and a sophomore majoring in a Bachelor’ of Science Degree in Ecology at Susquehanna University. She has a compelling reason to study ecology. Sara shares, “I chose this path of continued education because I was raised surrounded by nature. Whether it be hiking, biking, camping, backpacking, boating, etc., my family and I are always outdoors. While I may be unsure of the exact profession to enter upon completing my degree, I know for certain that it needs to include wildlife and environmental education. My goal is to become more educated concerning biology, animal behavior, the environment, and conservation, so I may lead a future working in a field actively preserving the wildlife that has always brought so much joy and adventure into my life. I aspire to provide the wonder and interest in the environment that I grew up with to future generations.”
Sara enjoys the outdoors, especially at Lake Ontelaunee, where she is honing her skills to identify flowers and plants. At Berks Nature, Sara will have the opportunity to gain hands-on career experience while working side-by-side with our staff. Our team just grew a little stronger with Sara on board.
Communications Intern
This summer, Lillian Case joined the Berks Nature team as our Communications Intern. Lillian attended Wilson High School and will be entering her junior year at Juniata College this fall. She is pursuing a degree in Business Analytics and Communications. At Juniata, she is involved in many organizations and events, including being a member of the field hockey team. Her active lifestyle and appreciation for the outdoors led her to Berks Nature. She asserts, “Berks Nature is a perfect place to explore my interests in marketing and communications with a supportive work environment. I have been able to develop new skills, interact with cool people, and support environmental issues I care about.” Her goal for this internship is to gain experience in the communications field.
Lillian has enjoyed walking the trails and reading at Angelica Creek Park during her time so far and is looking forward to hiking on Berks Nature’s other preserves as well. She has stepped into her role at Berks Nature with confidence and it has been great to see her grow. The rest of the summer will continue to bring exciting projects and opportunities for Lillian. We are happy to have her on our team!
Berks Nature Intern
Erin Becker has been another great addition to our summer team. As the general Berks Nature Intern, she has received a well-rounded experience attending Watershed meetings, working in The Nature Place, helping our communications team, and exploring Angelica Creek Park. Erin graduated from Wilson High School. She will be a junior at Colgate University this fall, studying Environmental Biology. In just a few days she will be in Wollong, Australia where she is taking the semester abroad! Despite her short time here, she insists, “I’ve learned more about managing plants and greenery in the garden and on Invasive Species Removal hikes. I have loved the experience and the people. I can’t wait to come back and help again in the future!”
Erin loves to spend time with her family and her dog. She is looking forward to everything that will take place this summer at Berks Nature and in Australia. Erin has been a wonderful to have around the office and has taken a role in a few projects that will be continued throughout the summer. We are so glad to have gotten to know her!