View our latest posts: From the Field

Environmental Education Internship

/in , , /by

The Environmental Education Intern will assist with classroom and field instruction for K-12 programs throughout Skagit County. Content will focus on salmon ecology and freshwater habitat restoration.

Qualifications

  • An interest in stream ecology, salmon biology, and salmon habitat
  • Comfortable working with children
  • Comfortable working outdoors in adverse weather
  • Organized, collaborative, and reliable
  • A reliable vehicle and clean driving record
  • Able to pass a background check

This position takes place during the school day, Sept 18-March 30 and will coincide with a quarterly academic calendar.  The Education Intern may be invited to assist with other activities such as weekend work parties for additional experience/hours.

A stipend will be offered at $500/month for 40 hours per month, for 6 month positions

Funding for paid internships requires that applicants meet certain conditions.  If your answer is “yes” to any of the following questions, you may qualify for a paid internship opportunity and we encourage you to apply for a position.

  • Do you qualify for financial aid at your college?
  • Are you the first-generation in your family to attend college?
  • Would you be unable to accept an unpaid internship due to financial need?

SFEG is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.  We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply for this internship opportunity.  The outdoors should be for everyone and we know that has traditionally not been the case, with many people being left out of environmental based careers.  We recognize the need to confront this inequity within our organization.  SFEG is actively working to create more avenues for entry level positions for traditionally marginalized communities to work in the environmental field.

to Apply: complete internship application HERE

 

SFEG will provide equal opportunity for employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, sensory, physical or mental disability, veteran status, protected genetic information or any other status protected under state or federal law.

 

Invasive Rundown

/in , , /by

One of the biggest threats to a new riparian restoration project is invasive species. Non-native vegetation can outcompete recently installed native species. This problem can persist for years.

Blackberry – Who hasn’t seen blackberry canes intertwined with a cedar? Blackberries can overtop desirable vegetation and shade it out. Preventing photosynthesis is one way invasive species eliminate competition from native species. Knotweed is especially adept at this survival strategy. Blackberry canes are also capable of overtopping 10 foot tall trees then pulling them down and shading them out.

Blackberry

 

English Ivy – Most people are familiar with English Ivy and think that it adds a classic look when it climbs buildings and trees. This extra weight and bulk causes trouble for native trees because the ivy leaves act as a sail and can catch more wind during storm events. Native trees are not accustomed to this extra stressor and can breakoff and fall under the extra weight and pressure.

English Ivy

 

English Holly – Another invasive species from England that thrives in the Pacific northwest are holly trees. This species brings to mind Christmas. It is also one of the few species that is capable of growing and reproducing in an established, mature forest. Typically invasive species prefer disturbed sites to become established, think abandoned lots, clearcuts, agricultural fields, etc. Established forests, especially ones with dense conifers, are one of the best defenses against invasive species establishment. English Holly is capable of becoming established in these habitat.

English Holly

 

It can get overwhelming when one thinks of all the invasive species across the landscape (and we have only touched in plants, there’s a whole other category of invasive animals). While some invasive species will never be eliminated, it is possible to achieve local control. If you’re interested in more information, contact your local Noxious Weed Control Board.

Himalayan Blackberry Removal

/in , /by

This week our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew was busy cutting Himalayan blackberry at a new project along the Samish River. Removing invasive species like blackberry is often the first step in restoration, and creates the opportunity for our field crews to plant native trees and shrubs. Over the next two years, SFEG will plant 2,300 plants across 13 acres at this site. When completed, this project will improve over 1,500 linear feet of stream habitat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Before and after photos of blackberry brush removed by a WCC member 

 

 

At a site near the town of Sedro-Woolley, SFEG crews used a tractor to till an area that was previously a dense thicket of invasive Himalayan blackberry. Tilling helps break up the compacted soil and makes blackberry roots easier to remove by hand. Our Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew then planted native trees and shrubs in the tilled area. When the project is completed, 2,500 native plants will be planted to improve over two acres of riparian habitat.

(Left) Joe George, our Restoration Coordinator, tills the ground to make blackberry root removal easier.

 

(Right) Removed blackberry roots