Making a Difference

Hooray! We’ve just concluded our third BV Tree Team internship program with nine Buena Vista high schoolers. For the last three weeks, the interns worked in downtown BV on projects that strengthen the City’s tree canopy. They assessed downtown tree species and health for the BV Tree Board, weeded and enhanced the BV Tree Nursery, designed an informational trifold about trees for the public, and planted several trees to shade city playgrounds. “This experience has been one of the most valuable and interesting things I’ve done," one of the interns wrote on the program’s last day. "I felt a part of the team and I felt heard. I truly feel connected with the environment and I know I can share my knowledge.” Another added, “It makes me realize that I have a voice in my community and that I can make a difference, even though I am quite young.”

As part of their knowledge-gathering and career development, the interns also met with a range of professionals who work with trees: SVU biology professor Sam Hirt, certified arborist and Boxerwood garden steward Karen Stanley, staff from the U.S. Forest Service, and Mountain Gateway’s Head of Forestry Scott Reigel. Reflecting on these conversations, one intern wrote, “I think the most important thing I have learned is how to care for trees and how important they are. I know how to plant a tree, what things it needs, and where [to plant it.]” Others described how the internship has shaped their future plans. One wrote, “I now know that I would want to do something involving the environment because I want to be able to help out,” and another noted, “I want to make an impact on my community.”

The internship culminated in a community presentation – led by the interns – to Buena Vista officials, parents, and stakeholders. “The prospect of public speaking was intimidating to some of the high schoolers,” explained Ginny Johnson, who led the program along with her Boxerwood colleague, Catherine Epstein, “but they practiced until the presentation was smooth, professional, and clear.” After the presentation, one intern reflected, “I have learned how to communicate my thoughts and how to do the most scariest thing (public speaking), all thanks to you guys.” Looking back on the three weeks, Ginny remarked, “This was a wonderful cohort of interns. We are so proud of everything they accomplished.” Click here to learn more about the Tree Team and BV Cool Trees, the community project that makes it possible.

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