Hello everyone! It has been quite a while since I’ve written on this blog, so I apologize for that. The new year here at Boone County Conservation District has been a busy one for sure. Over the last month and a half since my last post, we have hosted quite a few events for the public (such as the Owl Prowl and Raptors Inc. visit) and we have been getting squared away planning for everything we have coming up in 2019 such as Conservation Kids Camp in the summer and so much more! These upcoming events will all be posted on our website and on our social media accounts, so be sure to follow us there to stay up to date (plus, Megan and Susan work hard on those accounts and it will make them feel good)!
In my last post, I spent a lot of time talking about my independent project. I am happy to announce that the project is now 100% done! My project poster – “Assessing avian diversity after wetland habitat restoration in the Gunpowder Creek watershed” – can be found here. I won’t go into great detail on my findings here, but I will say that YMCA’s Camp Ernst is a beautiful place that is enjoyed by children and birds alike. I was able to spot a total of 26 species and 252 individuals during my observations, including both common and uncommon species in this area.
The results of my study told us that the restored wetland is in fact serving as wildlife habitat and supporting a diverse bird community. This is something that BCCDKY is very proud of, as it is direct evidence that our conservation efforts in the Gunpowder Creek Watershed Plan are having a positive impact on our wildlife and natural areas. The project is also something that I am personally proud to have accomplished. Beyond my own work, this project required the help of so many other people to finish and not a single person turned me down when I needed the help. The collaboration and willingness to help, from private citizens’ contribution of photographs to other Boone County government agencies providing expertise, goes to show the support the Conservation District has earned in this county. It is something that I will miss.
Yes, you heard me correctly. This will be my final blog post as an intern for the Conservation District. The past four months have been an incredible experience for me in the things that I have learned and the people I have met. I have grown as a student and as a professional, and it is time to allow another student to follow my path (just not into the wetland to get stuck). However, I will not be truly gone. As a direct result of this internship, I was able to earn a job offer at Boone County Parks, which I have accepted and will begin in a few weeks. In my new role, I will still be working with the Conservation District on certain events and I will be able to stay involved with current and future projects to benefit the people of Boone County.
Thank you to those who have read my posts as I’ve gone through this internship. I have never really known how to be a blogger, so I hope that you have found some interest or entertainment along the way. As always, send any comments or concerns along, and I will make sure the next intern takes care of it right away!
I wish you all the best,
– Kevin
