Summer Internship Success: Education, Advocacy, and Aquifer Protection

As summer comes to a close, we are excited to celebrate the success of our summer internship program. Over the past few months, eight college students—many studying environmental science and related fields—along with one passionate high school student, dedicated their weekends to engaging with the community, sharing the vital narrative of our precious aquifer and the pressing challenges that confront our local parks' ecosystems.

Before hitting the field, interns completed extensive training on the science and history behind the aquifer. A few students even tied their internship experience to academic research and projects, exploring topics ranging from civil rights to the I-35 highway expansion. 
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A highlight of the program was a field trip to the San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center, where interns saw Barton Springs Salamanders and Austin Blind Salamanders up close, deepening their understanding of the species that depend on our water resources.

Their commitment has made a real difference. This summer alone, we celebrated the addition of 196 new memberships, a testament to the enthusiasm they generated, and successfully raised over $12,000 through merchandise sales and generous donations from community supporters.

Field Manager Fin Kirsch and intern Landry Kern give a thumbs-up for Barton Springs. Photo by Alejandra Paredes

Interns Jules Strickland and Gabby Ellis talk about the convention center petition.

Even more significant than the financial figures are the inspiring stories of interaction; our interns actively educated countless visitors, igniting a new passion among our community to protect the invaluable natural resources that define our region.

We are deeply grateful to our interns for their dedication and to everyone who supported our mission this summer. Together, we are forging a stronger, more educated community that is committed to the stewardship of our parks and waterways, ensuring their preservation for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Alberto Cortes showing pictures of his favorite Barton Springs creature: the American Eel.