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SUMMER INTERNSHIP

FARMLAND FIELD ECOLOGY

May – August 2009 (3 months total, exact dates are flexible)

With the Farmscape Ecology Program, Hawthorne Valley Farm, Ghent, NY.

The Farmscape Ecology Program explores the biodiversity of on-farm habitats around Columbia County NY. These data help farmers better understand their ecological surroundings and help the general public appreciate the role of farmlands in the landscape.

During much of the upcoming field season, our work will concentrate on continuing our descriptions of the biodiversity of floodplain forests. These bottomland forests are often found on present or past farmlands. Much of this forest has disappeared over the years. During the past year, we spent ample time exploring some of the more pristine floodplain forests in Columbia County; our 2009 work will expand into Dutchess County and will include some more heavily impacted sites. We will also begin to map the "ecologically special places" in our county, using the 70-year old flora of the County as our basis for documenting change and persistence

We also plan to begin agro-ecological explorations of on-farm insect pests and beneficials with an eye to better understanding how landscape management can help accentuate the positive in terms of on-farm insect populations. Additional agricultural research into soils and cow/calf interactions may also take place.

Interns will be expected to work at least five days per week, including one day in the Hawthorne Valley Farm gardens (in order to gain a bit of agricultural experience). Occasional weekend and after-hour work is also likely. Most work will involve the field sampling or observation of various organisms including herbaceous and woody plants, insects, and birds. Interns who are interested can develop individual study projects related to these themes. Prior field experience is not required, but willingness to learn, and to work long, sometimes hot hours is.

On-farm housing and a $800/mo stipend are provided. Information about the farm is available at www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org; for more on the Farmscape Ecology Program, follow the link under “Departments” at that web page.

If you have questions or wish to arrange a visit, please contact Conrad or Claudia at 518 781 0243 (evenings) or fep "at" hawthornevalleyfarm.org.

To download a printable flyer with this information, please click here.