The following post was written by Alaina, our 2024-25 Education Intern. During her year-long internship with Nemours Wildlife Foundation, Alaina embraced every opportunity to learn, teach, and grow. From leading nature camps to monitoring bluebird nests, her experience was filled with hands-on conservation work and unforgettable moments in the field. We hope you enjoy her story as much as we’ve enjoyed having her here!
Alaina’s Internship Reflections – Part II
Hello! My name is Alaina, and I’ve been with Nemours for almost 11 months now as an Education Intern. This experience has honestly been amazing. I’ve had the opportunity to teach the community about the importance of environmental and wildlife protection while providing hands-on experiences. I’ve also joined various research groups studying everything from alligator stomach contents to soil and water health.
Photo caption: Alaina holding an Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) chick during one of her twice weekly nest checks.
My absolute favorite event, however, has been our C.O.A.S.T.A.L Kids youth education program. In my opinion, nothing is better than watching a child go from being afraid of animals to confidently holding them within just three days. During this round of camps, every child who joined us handled animals including snakes, turtles, birds, crabs, fish, and more. When I was younger, my favorite camps were those that allowed me to engage with nature in ways I thought were impossible. Seeing these kids light up as they experience something entirely new brings me immense joy.
Photo caption: Children handling a corn snake during the 6-9 age cohort of C.O.A.S.T.A.L Kids in June.
Another part of my job that I truly love is assisting with the Bluebird Nest Watch program. On the property, we have 13 nesting boxes, 10 of which currently have active nests. I check these nests twice a week using an endoscope to monitor the development of the eggs and chicks. It’s such fun to watch the eggs hatch and grow into beautiful bluebirds in just a month. I’ve also come to recognize the personalities of the parent birds. For example, the mother in Nest 11 sits tightly on the nest and doesn’t want me checking the eggs, so I carefully try to look around her. Meanwhile, the mom and dad in Nest 2 protect their nest by dive-bombing me whenever I check it!
c
Photo caption: Photo taken by Alaina of Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) chicks inside a nest at Nemours Wildlife Foundation.
I’ve learned so much in this position. Being part of the Nemours team has given me professional experience through research, presentations, and teaching. It’s also helped me grow as a biologist. I’ve learned about birding, remnant rice fields, and expanded my overall understanding of the natural world.
Photo caption: Photo taken by Alaina of a Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanilla).
I truly hope the next Education Intern comes into this role with an open mind and a strong desire to learn more about our world. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be: never say no to an opportunity. There were so many moments where I said yes and ended up doing something incredible. From catching alligators to assisting in bird banding, there are countless opportunities to grow—if you’re willing to say yes.
Photo caption: Alaina assisting a Motus installation at Southern 8ths.
Internships at Nemours
At the heart of our mission is offering educational opportunities to young men and women embarking on their career paths. Our Research, Education, and Land Stewardship Internships are designed to be fully immersive experiences providing hands-on, practical training in conservation concepts, techniques, and methodologies. We invite undergraduate level juniors and seniors or recent graduates (≤ 2 years post-graduation) in the fields of biology, ecology, education, wildlife management, or other related field to submit an application for our internship programs.
If you would like to support our Education program, please click here to donate today.
