| Summer Internship Blue Heron Ministries is looking to fill one field steward internship position for the summer of 2024!We are a nonprofit Christian land conservation organization based out of Angola, IN. We work with other nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and private landowners in and around northeast Indiana and southwest Michigan. Our mission is to build communities where creation is kept and keep creation so that community may be restored. |
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| A description of this internship is as follows:Intensive and arduous labor.Term will be the beginning of June thru mid-August (flexible).35-40 hours a week.$12/hr.Invasive species control predominantly in wetlands in Steuben, LaGrange, and surrounding counties (Indiana and Michigan). Some travel and overnight stay may be required for distant projects.Control of herbaceous invasive species (i.e. reed canary grass, cattails, purple loosestrife, etc.) will involve herbicide applications. Some upland and wetland brush control will be included.Work conditions will be hot, wet, and poisonous (poison sumac, poison ivy, Massasaugas, etc.) but where else can you enjoy the presence of God while caring for His creation in such a tangible way?Flexible to work with course requirements.Able to assist with housing.Intern must have a positive attitude, the willingness to learn and take direction, the ability to work independently and with a crew, and possess an attention to detail. No experience necessary.Intern will obtain an Indiana pesticide applicator’s license during the internship.Intern will gain knowledge on a number of topics including but not limited toPlant identification and monitoringThe what, why, and how of ecological restorationLand management practices within prairie and oak ecosystemsThe lawful, ethical, and safe use of herbicidesOpportunities to network with other conservation organizationsSend resumes and cover letters to stuartbheron1@hotmail.com Attn: Nate Simons. Applications will be accepted until February 9th. |
| View from the Crew by Freya Berntson |
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| Although our work was in the uplands at this site, we still were able to take in the beautiful view of Crane Pond State Game Area’s Purgatory Bog in St. Joseph County, Michigan. |
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| A plant of many common names. The two I’m most familiar with are Teaberry and American Wintergreen. A sweet little evergreen that stands out with those bright red berries, despite only being a couple inches tall. St. Joseph County, MI. |
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| Another adorable evergreen groundcover, Shining Clubmoss. St. Joseph County, MI |
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| Winter botanizing is anything but boring. Here is yet one more perfect little evergreen. Partridgeberry. Indiana Division of Nature Preserve’s Tamarack Bog Nature Preserve Lagrange County, IN. |
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| Winter textures: puffballs’ round bodies compliment the sharp edges of last year’s leaf litter. |
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| Nate Simons introducing the crew to a project site at Tamarack Bog Nature Preserve, in Lagrange County. With Josh Hall, Madeline McQuiston and Madi Parker paying close attention! |
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| Madeline demonstrating appropriate personal protective equipment for chainsaw work! |
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| Although I couldn’t make it to the Michiana Regional Seed Swap this year, I sent a donation of native seeds from my personal garden! Blue Heron Ministries was well represented at the event by John Brittenham though, who gave a wonderful and well received presentation on growing native plants. |
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| Snowy winter days are great for spreading native seed! Here Matt Neff is driving through Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Cedar Swamp Wetland Conservation Area in Steuben County, with the hopper on the ATV. |
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| Close up of the seed on the snow at Cedar Swamp Prairie. |
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| The fleet at Cedar Swamp Prairie. Broadcast seeding around 50 acres in a timely manner takes the whole team! |
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| Another snowy seeding day! This time in Elkhart County, at the City of Goshen’s Wellfield Prairie. Here Madeline prepares her ATV for the chilly task. |
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| Did I mention it was a little cold on some of these seeding days? Here you can also see the roughly 60 bags of seed we worked on spreading. |
| Upcoming Events |
| Native Plant Seed Sowing February 3rd from 2 – 4:30pmThis year, Blue Heron Ministries is partnering with the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, for our annual gathering to sow native plant seeds for a future garden. Join our community of volunteers as we plant the seeds of native plants into plug pots, which will be grown for a native flower bed to be installed next to Gene Stratton-Porter’s historic cabin, located on Sylvan Lake in Rome City.Come, learn how to grow your own native plants while participating in a great community event, for a good cause. The event will run from 2-4:30pm, and light refreshments will be provided.Please RSVP by February 1st if you plan to attend the event. RSVPs and any questions can be sent to John Brittenham at johnbrittenham@gmail.com.We’ll meet on-site at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784. |
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Blue Heron Ministries 