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Meet WCT’s 2022 Seasonal Interns

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Internships are an integral part of Willistown Conservation Trust’s (WCT) work. Each year hardworking students join our team and bring with them a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. They provide essential duties during our busy seasons working on the farm, banding birds, maintaining trails, planting trees, taking water samples, mapping, interacting with volunteers, teaching our young Rushton Nature Keepers, and more. These students represent the future of the conservation movement, and we are proud to play a role in educating and inspiring these future leaders!

Get to know our interns below, and be sure to say hi when you see them!

WATERSHED

Sarah Busby 
Watershed Protection Program Co-Op

Sarah Busby (she/her) is a fourth year Biology undergraduate at Drexel University with a concentration in Ecology/Evolution/Genomics and minors in Bioinformatics and Science, Technology & Society. Previously, she worked in the Macroinvertebrates lab of the Patrick Center for Environmental Research at the Academy of Natural Sciences collecting, identifying, and organizing macroinvertebrate samples from the Delaware River Watershed. She is excited to join the Watershed Protection Program at WCT and build upon her experience through interdisciplinary knowledge of watershed ecosystems. Outside of work and school, Sarah enjoys identifying species on nature walks, playing board games with friends, and exploring different corners of Philadelphia.
Vincent Liu
Watershed Protection Program Co-Op

Vincent Liu (he/him) is a 4th year Environmental Science major from Drexel University. He is minoring in Japanese and enjoys fencing and gaming as his hobbies.
Catherine Quinn
Watershed Protection Program Co-Op

Catherine (she/her) is an undergraduate student who attends Drexel University and studies environmental science. This is not Catherine’s first time working with us at the Trust; she worked between the WCT Watershed Protection Program and the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Environmental Biogeochemistry Section last summer. Catherine is looking forward to working on her independent project on freshwater mussels as well as continuing to gain hands-on experience within our different programs here at the Trust. When Catherine finishes her co-op internship, she plans to complete her B.S. in Environmental Science and hopes to find a career in conservation.

RUSHTON FARM

Noa Djistelbloem
Rushton Farm Intern

Noa (she/her) is a second year student who attends Cornell University. Her major is Agricultural Science with a concentration in global health and sustainability, and she is minoring in nutrition. This is Noa’s second summer working at WCT and she’s happy to be back! In addition to Noa’s previous experience, she is also on the steering committee at her institution for a student-run organic farm. Noa is currently on a project team to work on implementing aquaponic systems in local schools and communities. Noa plans to stay at the trust until the end of summer. She is incredibly excited to learn more about small scale farming and its impact on communities and enjoys working with the Rushton Farm crew. Once her time at the Trust is over, Noa will go back to school to continue working on her degree.
Kat Harrar
Rushton Farm Intern

Kat (she/her) is a rising sophomore at Cornell University. She majors in Agricultural Science with a concentration in policy and business management and a minor in business. Before interning for the trust, Kat worked at the Kimberton Wall garden for two years during her time in high school. She also worked at the Swarthmore farmers market and helped with social media aspects. In addition, Kat worked at the Bryn Mawr farmers market where she was positioned as a vendor, setting up the stand and organizing produce. Kat hopes to gain more experience in the community surrounding food, and looks forward to seeing firsthand how everything starts at the beginning. After her time at the Trust is over, Kat will return to school to complete her degree and concentration.
Barlow Herbst
Rushton Farm Intern

Barlow (he/him) is a rising senior who attends Harriton High School. Prior to his internship at the trust, Barlow participated in the Rushton Bird Banding program. Barlow has been birding for four years which is how he discovered WCT and all we do. He initially started with saw-whet owl banding and eventually began volunteering at Rushton Farm. Barlow will be interning for the trust until the beginning of the new academic year. He is looking forward to learning more about conservation farming and agroecology to discover more about the agricultural field as a potential future pursuit.
Abby Oswald
Rushton Farm Intern

Abby (she/her) is a second year student at UC Davis. She majors in Plant Science with a concentration in crop production. This is Abby’s third summer working at Rushton Farm. Abby also worked on the student farm at her school, both as an intern and as lead student farmer. Abby hopes to gain more experience in farming, and wants to learn more about crop production and agriculture. After her internship is complete, Abby will return to school and continue working towards her degree and working on the farm at UC Davis.

BIRD CONSERVATION & NORTHEAST MOTUS COLLABORATION

Phillys Gichuru
Conservation Associate

Phillys (she/her) has a B.S. in Zoology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture, and an M.S. in Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech. Before attending graduate school, Phillys was an intern for Kenya Wildlife Service and Jomo Kenyatta University. She was also a Product Manager with F&S Scientific Limited in Kenya. Phillys has shown interest about birds and their biology through bird banding. She is eager to learn  more about our Stewardship and Watershed programs. After completion of this internship, Phillys plans to obtain a career in wildlife conservation, and to work at the intersection of conservation, research and policy.
This position is generously funded by the McIsaac Family.
Kaitlin Muccio
Avian Field Technician

Kaitlin (she/her), having achieved her B.A. in Animal Behavior from Franklin and Marshall College, is currently working towards her M.S. in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution at Tufts University. She has volunteered at wildlife rehabilitation centers as well as at the WCT banding station during the spring migration. Kaitlin has also worked for Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission as a Wildlife Biology Research Assistant conducting avain, endangered plant and moth surveys, and assisting with the goat grazing program to manage grassland habitats. She is extremely excited to return to WCT and hopes to continue to build her banding skills and eventually establish a career in bird conservation and ecology.

COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH

Niya Juanita Moss
Communications & Outreach Intern

Niya (she/her) is a senior at Villanova University working towards her B.S. in Chemistry and her minor in Mathematics. She has a particular interest in sustainability and the impact of chemical disasters on the environment and people. This is Niya’s second year interning at the trust. In addition to her coursework, Niya participated in the Villanova Engineering, Science and Technology Enrichment and Development (VESTED) program which introduces these fields to students in under-resourced communities and schools and inspires those students who have the potential to expand our region’s and nation’s pool of future engineers. As a STEM student, Niya hopes to broaden her experience in the fields of research and conservation during her internship with the Trust. After her internship, Niya plans to go back to school to complete her bachelor’s degree and eventually obtain her MS in Environmental Science.
This position is generously funded by the McIsaac Family.

STEWARDSHIP

Will Steiner
Seasonal Land Steward

Will (he/him) is a junior who attends Ursinus College and studies biology. Prior to joining us at WCT, Will participated in a few research trips during his time in school. Will is looking forward to gaining experience from working with the Stewardship team and engaging in hands-on conservation work. After his internship is complete, Will plans to finish school and continue to seek biology and conservation related opportunities.

Women in Agriculture: Testimonials from Rushton Farmers

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In honor of Women’s History Month, we are going to hear from the women farmers — previous staff, interns, and co-ops — who have worked at Rushton Farm! Be sure to join us on March 23 for our Women in Agriculture virtual event to learn from women leaders (like Molly Clark below!) in the agricultural industry. To read more about the Future of Sustainable Farming, click here.

Introduction from Molly Clark, Rushton Farm Production Manager

I started at Rushton Farm as an intern in 2016 after developing an immense interest in the intersection of agriculture and the environment. In my previous jobs in watershed protection/ restoration non-profit organizations, I interviewed large-scale commodity farmers about their practices and read a lot about the impacts of our increasingly industrialized and chemical-intensive food system. I decided I wanted to get hands-on experience in small-scale, sustainable agriculture. Turns out, once I started I couldn’t stop! I love the work. Every spring I can’t wait to start up seeding in the greenhouse. I love working hard and outside, every day. I love learning the cycles of a farm season and developing a better awareness of natural patterns and developing stronger observational skills. The sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes from producing food for 120 CSA families is remarkable. I am passionate about encouraging people to truly appreciate food, and I think it’s critical to have a better understanding of the resources it takes to grow food. The more the public knows, the more likely it is that they will invest in agriculture that is more diverse, socially just, and sustainable.

I could go on and on about my own experiences but you don’t need to take my word for it! I asked the women I have worked with over my 6+ years at Rushton how they became interested in farm work, what challenges women farmers face, what they love most about the work and what strengths women bring to the field. I have summarized their insightful responses below.

Chelsea Sue Allen, Farm Production Manager until 2020

My Uncle Michael, who is a musician I’ve always admired, started getting involved in farming in the Philadelphia area when I was in college. Inspired by his journey, farming piqued my interest as something I might also find gratifying, not only as fulfilling day-to-day work, but as another type of creative process. There also seemed to be a growing momentum in the world of small-scale diversified farming when I decided to find my first farm job. Learning about what it took to grow chemical-free food and flowers on a “human scale” felt really important to me. It still is! Starting out, farm intern/apprentice/crew positions usually don’t pay a whole lot. I was living with my parents’ in my first years of farming, so I could afford a small paycheck. Not everyone has that privilege. My own abilities were doubted (at first) due to my small size and quiet disposition. But I stuck with it as I came to realize that farming is not contingent on brute strength!

I love the cycles associated with farming. I love that it makes me tune into my natural environment and ecosystem and weather patterns. I love the beginnings and I love the endings. I love returning year after year to create it all again; growing food and flowers and herbs that not only nourish me but also the ecosystem that they grow from. I have also met the most awesome people and some of my best friends through farming!

I have received incredible support from fellow women farmers and dear lord you need support when you’re farming! I think women can help to make farming a more sustainable form of work, in terms of personal health, wellbeing, and compensation. Our human farming practices need to adapt to better support *all* people, as well as this blue-green planet that makes it all possible.      

What’s my favorite thing to grow? I love growing calendula! It is such a bright, beautiful flower, and it’s also an amazing medicinal plant. I love that the seeds are like little curved sea horses! And how when you infuse the blossoms in oil, the oil turns as orange as the flowers. 

Caitlin Welsh, Rushton Farm Crew Extraordinaire 2017-2021

I was my mom’s helper every spring when she worked in her flower gardens. She had a lovely garden full of typical suburban plants like roses, peonies, hydrangeas, hostas, and assorted annuals, but I was always more interested in things that were a little more exciting. I always asked to grow fruits or vegetables of some kind, and of course it was never anything practical in terms of space or care; I wanted things like pumpkins or watermelons which is asking a lot in a fraction of a quarter acre. Even though she said no (I could barely focus enough to complete a single day’s worth of weeding flower beds), her general love and appreciation for the work rubbed off on me. Ever since, I’ve tried to care for and tend whatever land I have access to. It was meeting Chelsea Allen and Molly Clark and seeing what they accomplished in a season that motivated me to take the opportunity and learn from and support their efforts!

The sense of community, primarily among those I work with closely, but also for the people that our work provides for, is one of the things I appreciate the most about my time at the farm. Additionally, the endless opportunities to learn, make mistakes, and improve as a farmer. Developing a better understanding of natural cycles and human systems and how they impact the land has made me more aware of my own patterns and habits, and helps me be a better being on earth. Also, the food is nice.

I think many farmers have a heightened sense of empathy and responsibility for their work, but I think the degree to which those qualities are expressed between men and women varies greatly. Observing the women I have worked with, their sense of responsibility often extends beyond care and concern for the land and its production to include the people they work with and groups they serve. From fostering an environment people can learn in, to developing personal relationships, it makes happier workers who are not just dedicated to their work, but to the team, which in turn makes the whole operation more successful.

There are few jobs I have enjoyed more for their capacity to make me feel fulfilled both in terms of what I am able to accomplish day to day, but also the manner in which the work is done. Farming can be tiring and disappointing, but the women I have worked with are able to face it with a sense of humor and deep joy that makes it all manageable. People who help you celebrate the success and also extend grace to feel the misery of a mid-July winter squash planting marathon in Pennsylvania are a rare gift, indeed.

What’s my favorite part? As painful as the overall process can be — from seeding hundreds of cells and transplanting hundreds of starts, to spreading bales of allergy-triggering straw and monitoring and (sometimes unsuccessfully) controlling voracious pests — watermelon and squash littering the aisles in late summer and early fall is a delightful sight. And the FLOWERS! There’s nothing like an absolute riot of color to brighten the toughest day. Lastly, once you’ve conditioned your back and shoulders for it, raking out beds is monumentally satisfying. If you’ve ever fussed over making your own bed perfectly, then you get it.

Maddison Lin, 2021 Rushton Farm Intern
Studying Environmental Policy and East Asian Studies at Colby College (with the hope of using both to address environmental issues in China)

I’ve always been exposed to farming, thanks to my dad owning a farm in Florida when I was young. However, it wasn’t until I took AP Environmental Science in high school that I really started becoming interested in sustainable agriculture. I liked learning about producing food sustainably and working with the environment to do so. Visiting Rushton Farm for a field trip further inspired me, and I ended up doing an independent study on the subject my senior year.

I think one of the obstacles women and beginning farmers face is getting started in an environment that feels comfortable. I feel like agriculture is usually seen as male-dominated field, which can make it intimidating for some people to get involved.

I’ve always liked animals, nature, and ecology so it was really nice to see how the farm worked in tandem with the environment at Rushton. Getting to spend so many days outside was good for my health, both mentally and physically (even if it did get super hot some of the days!). The work is really fulfilling. It doesn’t really hit you at first, but we don’t usually think about how our food is actually grown. Getting to see the process from planting to harvesting was incredible, and it really opened my eyes to all the labor that goes into putting food on the table.

It was really great working with other women at the farm! The environment was always so welcoming, and I always felt comfortable enough to carry out all my tasks and ask for help when needed. It was also nice, especially since I usually perceived farming to be so male-dominated (at my dad’s old farm, I can’t remember a single female farmer).

Women can definitely have an impactful role in the alternative agriculture movement. One of the biggest advantages is simply bringing different perspectives and experiences to the table. It’s no doubt that women have fundamentally different experiences than men, and it is exactly these differences that can make the community of growers stronger and more empathetic. Diversity is necessary for any environment, and having more women in agriculture can help us take a step forward in making a more open environment for everyone involved.

What’s my favorite part? I loved processing and cleaning vegetables (it was often very refreshing on hot days!). I also liked pea picking!

Noa Dijstelbloem, 2021 Rushton Farm Intern
Studying Agricultural Sciences with an intended concentration in Global Health at Cornell University

I’ve always been interested in nature and the environment. I was always fascinated by the ways in which different species interacted with each other to maintain ecological balance. Growing up, I came from a family of foodies; we loved to cook, eat, try new cuisines and watch Food Network together. I even thought I would be a food critic or a chef. It wasn’t until taking AP Environmental Science that I really discovered the connection between food, nature, and sustainability. After learning about the issues with current agricultural practices and going on a field trip to Ruston Farm, I was in awe. The field of sustainable agriculture and agroecology perfectly combined my two interests in nature and food, and I knew from that point on that I wanted to pursue a career in this field.

I think it is a challenge getting people to want to pursue farming as a career. For girls and women specifically, we aren’t raised to see farm work as a potential option for our futures. In most advertisements, movies, and images we see of farms, the farmers are typically older, white men. I can imagine it is difficult for women to picture themselves doing farmwork because they don’t see themselves represented in the agriculture sector. As more women enter agriculture-related jobs, it will inspire other young women to want to enter the field as well.

I love being outside, being physically active, and connecting with nature while farming. I love meeting new people and being able to connect with fellow farmers, CSA members, and other individuals about similar interests in food, sustainability, and nature.

I feel so fortunate that I’ve found a course of study that I’m truly passionate about, and I’ve loved every single course I’ve taken so far at Cornell. The classes I’ve taken my first year include: Plant Science and Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Food and Companion Animal Systems, Dairy Cattle Principles, and Ecology and the Environment. I’ve become involved in agriculture-related extracurriculars; I’m on the governing body for our student run organic farm, Dilmun Hill, I’m a part of the Resilient Environment Agriculture Laboratory (a project team under the umbrella organization Cornell University Sustainable Design), and we’re working on developing aquaponic systems for local Ithaca farmers. I’ve also been fortunate enough to secure a research position on campus working for Dr. Toni DiTommasso in his weed ecology lab.

I’ve met so many inspiring women who are also pursuing careers in sustainable agriculture, global development, and agribusiness. Nearly half of the students in my major are women, which is incredible. The female faculty I’ve met in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are also inspiring!

I was so inspired that all of the interns hired by the farm over the summer were women. Each one of them was strong, independent, down to earth, and inspiring; it was wonderful being surrounded by other women who shared my passion for sustainable agriculture.

What’s my favorite part? My favorite thing to grow is definitely beets! I enjoy the entire process – thinning them in the greenhouse (or under the shade of the trees), planting them in the field, and especially harvesting them! Pulling them out of the ground is super satisfying, and bunching them and washing them is very “zen.”  Also, my new fun fact that I always tell people now is that I once picked a 2.2-pound beet!

Amanda Dunbar, 2021 Agroecological Project Coordinator

My educational background is in wildlife conservation and management, but all of my work experience has considered or been impacted by agricultural land and practices. I am very interested in the interactions between agriculture and local wildlife. Frequently, the focus can be on the negatives between wildlife and agriculture, but there are benefits too!

I enjoy being outside every day and getting to see the gradual changes in the crops as they grow throughout the season, and what changes occur in the landscape as we move through the season. I’m inspired by the fact that, particularly at Rushton Farm, we are working with nature as much as possible and that we get to see the joy and appreciation for the delicious crops on members’ faces on pickup days. I felt working with other women on the farm resulted in an additional support network. The ability to tell a fellow farmer “I’m not at 100% today, but I will do my best” without getting questioned or judged in return fosters a mutually supportive and positive work environment.

What’s my favorite part? My favorite thing to grow is okra; it has gorgeous flowers and it’s fun to harvest. I enjoy harvesting and processing crops on pickup days! You get to see how big each planting grew, select the produce that is ready, and shine everything up to look its best. I particularly enjoy the almost meditative repetition of trimming, peeling, washing and bundling leeks and scallions!

Willistown Conservation Trust Welcomes 12 Student Interns This Season

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Internships are an integral part of Willistown Conservation Trust’s (WCT) work. Each year hardworking students join our team and bring with them a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. They provide essential duties during our busy seasons working on the farm, banding birds, maintaining trails, planting trees, taking water samples, mapping, interacting with volunteers, teaching our young Rushton Nature Keepers, and more. Further, their innovative projects add to the growing body of knowledge the Trust works to compile about our protected spaces. It’s our hope that these interns leave the Trust with a greater understanding of land preservation and the stewardship practices that lead to healthy ecosystems for people, wildlife, and the land itself. These students represent the future of the conservation movement, and we are proud to play a role in educating and inspiring these future leaders!

STEWARDSHIP

Chase Foster, Drexel University
Chase (they/their) is currently working towards their B.S. in Environmental Science at Drexel University. They join us as part of the Drexel Co-Op program in the Stewardship Department. Chase has previous experience working as a Land Stewardship Assistant at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education as well as a Curatorial Assistant at the Academy of Natural Science. Of their experience at the Schuylkill Center, Chase says, “Those six months exposed me to new experiences I was not shown during field work; tending to plant nurseries and greenhouses, getting my hand’s dirty replotting seedlings, being able to walk daily on the beautiful trails that I helped maintain—this showed me there is more to environmental careers than those involving field research. My love for conservation stemmed from here and has evolved into seriously considering Landscape Architecture as a future career.”

This position is generously funded by the McIsaac Family.
Niya Juanita Moss, Villanova University
Niya (she/her) is a junior at Villanova University working towards her B.S. in Chemical Engineering. She has a particular interest in disaster prevention and the impact of chemical disasters on the environment and people. In addition to her coursework, Niya participated in the Villanova Engineering, Science and Technology Enrichment and Development (VESTED) program which introduces these fields to students in under-resourced communities and schools and inspires those students who have the potential to expand our region’s and nation’s pool of future engineers. As a STEM student, Niya hopes to broaden her experience in the fields of research and conservation during her internship with the Trust.

This position is generously funded by the McIsaac Family.

WATERSHED

Gloria Avila, Drexel University
Gloria (she/her) is a third year Environmental Science student at Drexel University. As a first generation Ecuadorian and the first person in her family to attend university, she is especially passionate about community outreach in the form of fostering an early love for science in children. Gloria hopes to one day have a career that can combine her love for field research and public engagement in a fulfilling way.
Catherine Quinn, Drexel University
Catherine (she/her) is in her pre-junior year at Drexel.  She is majoring in environmental science with a minor in global studies, and her academic and career interests mainly include aquatic ecosystems, climate change, and environmental and climate justice. She is also really into civic engagement, and volunteers with Drexel’s Climate & Sustainability Working Group! In her free time, she loves crocheting, reading, yoga, traveling (when there isn’t a pandemic), and doing anything where she can be outside. Catherine is splitting time between the Trust’s Watershed Protection Program and the Academy of Natural Science’s Nutrient Lab!
Zack Smith, Drexel University
Zack (he/him) is a 4th year junior at Drexel University studying Environmental Science. In the past, he has had experience working with Dr. Dane Ward in Cuba studying Melipona beecheii honeybees. In addition to this, he has previously co-oped with the Philadelphia Water Department and most recently the watershed team at Willistown Conservation Trust. He is excited to be returning to build on his experience from last year.  When not in class or working, you can find Zack going on long distance bike rides, brewing too much coffee & reading, or connecting with friends (while remaining socially distant of course!).
Anna Willig, Middlebury College
Anna (she/her) grew up outside of Phoenixville and spent much of her childhood exploring the fields and forests around her home. She pursued her interest in the environment at Middlebury College, where she graduated with a degree in Conservation Biology in 2020. Having worked as a summer intern for the Watershed Protection Program in 2018, Anna is excited to return to WCT and continue studying and protecting local lands and waters.

These positions are generously funded by the William Penn Foundation.

BIRD CONSERVATION & NORTHEAST MOTUS COLLABORATION

Zoe Korpi, St. Joseph’s University
Zoe (she/her) graduated from Penn State Berks in 2019 with a B.A. in Biology. She is currently working towards her M.S. in Secondary Education. She joins the bird team with experience as both a Substitute Teacher and a Resident Migratory Owl Bander at the Petit Manan Point banding station in Maine. She will be working in a variety of roles with the Trust blending her banding and educator experience including a Motus technician, bird bander, field technician for the bobolink project, and a Motus education assistant.

RUSHTON FARM

Noa Dijstelbloem, Strath Haven High School
Noa (she/her) is a senior at Strath Haven High School who after visiting Rushton Farm with her AP science program became a dedicated volunteer and will be an official intern for the 2021 season. She will be attending Cornell University as an agriculture major this fall.
Amanda Dunbar, University of Pennsylvania
Amanda (she/her) joins the trust with over 10 years of experience in various aspects of conservation work including research and public policy. She has a degree in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware and a Master’s of Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. It was while she was working towards her master’s in 2014 that she began volunteering at the Rushton bird banding station for migration, MAPS, and Project Owlnet. She is excited to join the Rushton Farm Staff as Agroecology Project Coordinator where part of her work will focus on the connections between organic agriculture and the birds visiting Rushton.
Heather Kostick, Drexel University
Heather (she/her) has a BS in Wildlife Conservation and a MES from the University of Pennsylvania in Ecology & Resource Management. Heather conducted bioblitzes from 2015-2017 at Rushton Woods, and hopes to have those return to Rushton when it’s safe to do so. She is currently a doctoral graduate student and teaching assistant at Drexel University, and works at the farm in her spare time. Heather’s interest in agriculture and farming started with Delaware County 4-H where she raised chickens, turkeys, and pigs. One of Heather’s turkeys even got a blue ribbon at the PA Farm Show one year. She also attended the PA Governor’s School Agricultural Sciences Program at Penn State in 2007 where she learned even more about agriculture, environmental science, and food science. Heather has been volunteering at the Trust since 2012 first starting at the bird banding station and has been volunteering at the Trust in some capacity since then. Heather loves being at Rushton Farm and looks forward to working the land with the Rushton Farm staff this year.
Madison Lin, Strath Haven High School
Madison (she/her) is a senior at Strath Haven High School who is working with Rushton Farm as part of our educational programming with the AP environmental science class at Strath Haven. Madison will continue her education this summer as a full time intern. She will be attending Colby College as an environmental science major this fall.
Abby Oswald, Great Valley High School
Abby (she/her) is a senior at Great Valley High School and will be graduating in June 2021. In 2020, Abby became the youngest full-time intern at Rushton Farm in its 13-year history. Abby joins Rushton Farm this season as a seasoned intern with a passion for agriculture. Abby plans to pursue a career in agriculture and will be attending college to study agroecology.

The Wonder Twins

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Excerpt from The Wild Carrot, August 25, 2020, a weekly newsletter from staff to Rushton Farm CSA members.)

Abby, Anna and Molly harvesting, of course, Magic Molly purple potatoes. Photo by Noah Gress/Staff.


It was a warm day in mid-June and summer was right around the corner when Abby and Anna showed up to volunteer at Rushton Farm. Rushton had been bringing in regular volunteers for a few weeks and we were still working on the logistics for work precautions and social distancing. Volunteers were generally working alone and communication was limited as staff worked independently from the volunteers. That all changed the day Abby and Anna arrived.


On that mid-June “Just Show Up” volunteer Wednesday Abby rolled into the parking lot, hopped out of her car, and sauntered over with a smile to say she was here to volunteer. Anna pulled in a short while later (driving a little bit slower) and with a similar enthusiastic smile jumped right into work in the field. Both Abby and Anna showed no fear in attacking weeds and planting endless crops. They also worked comfortably with the Rushton Staff, who until their arrival had been keeping isolated. In these times where precaution is a constant focus, it was refreshing to see two 17-year-old rising seniors smile and laugh while working hard alongside seasoned farm veterans. From that first day on, Abby and Anna became part of the Rushton Farm Staff.

Abby Oswald harvesting tomatoes at Rushton Farm. Photo by Jennifer Mathes


While Anna became a committed volunteer putting in many hours of hard work on the farm, we found that Abby wouldn’t leave the farm. Really! She showed up at 9 am every morning and left when the senior staff left, took lunch with the senior staff, and put in the same hours as the senior staff. By July Rushton Farm had hired its youngest full time paid intern in Abby Oswald.

Intern, Abby Oswald, at Rushton Farm. Photo by Jennifer Mathes


Through this summer Abby and Anna have been a constant source of positive energy and hope. Every day Abby shows up with a smile and a no-fear attitude. She has worked alongside the senior staff not missing a beat and following instruction closely. It is when Abby and Anna are working together that the farm is most alive. Two high school seniors laughing and bantering about school, swimming, and life while working in the field. Their energy is contagious and it makes you forget about current conditions and appreciate being outside, working on a farm, and enjoying the company of those around you.


Next week Abby and Anna leave the fields of Rushton and head back to school. They will be missed. They leave behind an example that when things get tough when your summer plans are canceled when the future is uncertain, you still have to move forward and keep a positive frame of mind. They both came to Rushton and we, and the farm, are better for it. Abby and Anna, good luck in the upcoming year and always remember that Rushton Farm is right around the corner.

So are the weeds. If you want to sneak out of your virtual classes and come back to the farm we won’t tell anyone. 


-Fred


Abby Oswald will start her senior year at Great Valley High School. She is an avid swimmer who enjoys the outdoors and has a great work ethic.

Anna McNaull will start her senior year at West Chester East High School. Always upbeat and with a constant smile, Anna saw Rushton as an opportunity to get out and spend some time during her summer working on a farm.

Watershed Department Bids Farewell to Drexel Co-ops

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Co-ops participating in fish electroshocking research with the Academy of Natural Sciences and Willistown Conservation Trust this summer.

Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) is proud to participate in Drexel University’s Co-op program. Each year, from April to September, students join our Watershed Department to gain hands on field experience and learn from each of the different departments at the Trust. When Zack and Jules Smith joined the watershed team this spring, the Trust was already in lockdown. The whole team (Lauren, Evan, Zack and Jules) was not able to get together in person, so we met digitally, hoping that each week that we met via Zoom would be the last. Despite the many adjustments that set this co-op cycle apart from previous co-op  experiences, Zack and Jules showed that they had the adaptability of any great field researchers and were able to quickly join in the conversation and meaningfully contribute to the progress of the Watershed Protection Program.

Jules Smith

Jules:

When my co-op at Willistown Conservation Trust began at the beginning of April, I had no idea what to expect but the past few months have been nothing short of spectacular. One of my favorite parts of my co-op was participating in journal club discussions with the watershed team. Each time one of us presented a new topic connected to the work that is done at the Trust. I was continually learning new things, both from the papers we read and from Lauren, Zack, and Evan. Everyone’s willingness and eagerness to discuss such a wide range of science gave me new perspectives that I will carry with me long after my time at the Trust has ended.

The field work I was able to participate in allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for land conservation and understand the importance of proper preserve maintenance. Tree planting and stewardship days were especially impactful as I gained hands-on experience in caring for native plants. I loved being able to lend a hand in keeping the preserves beautiful for everyone who comes to enjoy them.

Zack Smith

Zack:

Coming into my co-op at WCT I was expecting an experience that was mainly field work based and required working in close proximity to other people, but as the Coronavirus pandemic settled in it was apparent that was no longer going to be the case. This change was confusing at first but ultimately provided a unique co-op experience. The past 6 months have emphasized the importance of flexibility. Though I was eager to start working in person I had to remind myself that times have changed, and I need to be able to adapt to the situation.

This theme carried throughout my time at WCT. The remote work that we did was pretty refreshing and educational. I really enjoyed searching for a report of the week and reading all about a genus or species only to change my mind a few hours later and do it all over again. Our long and meaningful discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion and justice have provided a much different experience than I was expecting. I feel like I have learned a lot about myself, society, and others through these conversations and I am grateful for the safe space we had.

Lastly, the weekly field days in the latter half of the co-op were such a treat and an even better break. Going in and getting that person-to-person interaction while doing physical work on the preserves was rewarding in many ways. Though the co-op didn’t look like I expected, at the end of the day it was an invaluable opportunity that provided many different experiences necessary to growing as a person and a scientist.

Although this summer did not go as anyone on the Watershed Team planned, it was a rich and wonderful experience to be joined by such dedicated and passionate researchers.  The contributions of Zack and Jules have made a strong impact on the department, and all of us at the Trust are excited to see what amazing things are in store for the co-op class of 2020!

OUR NATURE PRESERVES

Our nature preserves are open to the public 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, providing natural places that offer peace and respite for all. Willistown Conservation Trust owns and manages three nature preserves in the Willistown area - Ashbridge, Kirkwood and Rushton Woods Preserve. We maintain these lands for the … Learn more about our nature preserves.

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WHERE WE WORK

The work of the Willistown Conservation Trust is concentrated on 28,000 acres of Willistown Township … read more