Notes from Our Summer Intern

This summer we were very fortunate to have Eric Van Arsdale, a sophomore in environmental studies from Brown University, as an intern in the Natural Areas. Eric came to us with interests in ecology and environmental policy, and a strong back. Here at the Garden, he was very involved in invasive species removal from the Natural Areas, propagation of native plants, learning to identify native species, and planning restoration activities. He writes about his experiences in restoration ecology in this Preserve Blog.

-- Chad Washburn

With the school year quickly approaching, I will soon return to Providence, Rhode Island to begin my sophomore year at Brown University and must bring my internship at the Garden to a close. After working with Chad Washburn and the Horticulture Department for the last 2 months, I have learned a great deal about ecological restoration and day-to-day garden operations. From exotic species removal and chainsaw maintenance to drip line installation and grafting, my time at the garden has been a great learning experience.

My work with Chad in ecological restoration has tied in well with my interests in environmental science. Primarily, ecological restoration involves returning an environment to its natural state. For my internship, I developed a restoration plan for Rookery Island in Deep Lake. Rookery Island is comprised primarily of spoil, a unique soil composition that required restoration plans that take into account the poor soil quality and dry conditions. The island was also covered with Brazilian pepper that had to be removed before native species could be introduced onto the island.

Access to Rookery Island required a dirt path to be built so exotics clearing could begin; however, we were immediately reminded of a Golden Rule in ecological conservation immediately after the path was finished, "Mother Nature always has the last say." Tropical Storm Fay dumped three to seven inches on to the site and covered much of the Island and the path. However, problem solving is what makes ecological restoration a unique and challenging field. Shortly after Fay had passed SW Florida, Chad and I resumed clearing Rookery Island, with the help of wading boots. With most of the area cleared of invasive exotics, we were able to introduce several varieties of epiphytes to compliment the already existing epiphytes on the Island. Several native hammock plants were also purchased from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, including Beauty Berry and Mastic, which will be planted when conditions improve on the island. In the future, Rookery Island will provide a beneficial area for bird nesting as well as provide an aesthetically pleasing view for the garden's visitors.

Overall, my time at the Garden has been an exceptional learning experience. More than that, working at the Garden has allowed me to comprehend both the tremendous potential it holds in becoming a world-class botanical collection and the commitment by all the staff in reaching this goal.