WildEarth Guardians

Thursday, August 9, 2007
Student Interns Make a Difference for Native Wildlife and Wildlands

WildEarth Guardians mentors five college interns
Contact: WildEarth Guardians

Santa Fe, NM - Five college and graduate students who want to make a difference for native wildlife and wildlands are in Santa Fe this summer interning with the non-profit environmental advocacy group WildEarth Guardians. The five interns, all women, are working without pay from WildEarth Guardians to learn more about environmental protection at a time when public concern is growing about the climate crisis, degradation of wild landscapes and the need for better enforcement of environmental laws.

The interns, who are from California, Vermont and Wisconsin with backgrounds in law, environmental analysis, and international relations, worked with the entire WildEarth Guardians' staff on matters relating to endangered species conservation, public lands protection, water protection, litigation, information acquisition and public outreach.

"My experience with WildEarth Guardians this summer was invaluable," said Andrea Steiling, who is attending Vermont Law School, and assisted Nicole Rosmarino, Forest Guardian's Conservation Director. "Not only did I gain an in-depth knowledge of the Endangered Species Act but I also enjoyed being in such a great work environment. It is great to be around a group of people who walk their talk," Steiling added.

Sarah Ferro worked with Public Lands Director Bryan Bird poring over government documents to ramp up forest protection efforts. Ferro, who is returning to Vermont Law School for her final year, says, "I loved my experience here. Not only was it amazing and inspiring working here and seeing how everyone works together to accomplish a goal, I have learned so much," said Ferro. "I'm able to maneuver my way through statutes, regulations and government documents much better now."

In addition to Ferro and Steiling, the other three interns are:

* Jennifer Roane, 27, a first year law student who will be attending Stanford law school this fall and worked with WildEarth Guardians' attorney Melissa Hailey. Roane says that she has "learned how valuable the non-profit sector is to our forests and animals."

* Cynthia Wright, 21, who is returning to Chico State for her Junior year in August enhanced WildEarth Guardians' web presence by developing information on myspace.com and on other University and environmental websites.

* Elicia Whittlesey, 22, a recent graduate of Pomona College who describes herself as "someone who is passionate about the environment," has worked on river and forest protection during her internship.

The experience has also benefited WildEarth Guardians and changed the way the organization approaches its work. After having the assistance of Jennie Roane on legal research, Melissa Hailey, WildEarth Guardians' attorney now insists that WildEarth Guardians recruit interns to work year round. "The assistance has been so profound and we've been able to accomplish so much since Jenny's arrival," said Hailey.

John Horning, WildEarth Guardians' Executive Director, hopes to expand and improve the internship program, which is now entering its second year, by offering at least a stipend, a housing subsidy and attracting more New Mexico students and by making the program year round. "Much of my early learning in the environmental movement came as a result of wonderful mentors that I had during internships," said Horning. "Our internship program is a part of our commitment to make the broader social change movement even stronger. By working with these students we are making an investment in their and our future," Horning added.

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