From Campus to Conservation: MES Students Intern at UTRCA 

This summer the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) welcomes University of Western Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) candidates Bethany and Russell as Community Partnership interns!  

After completing her undergraduate degree in Ecology at the University of Guelph, Bethany applied for the MES program to gain interdisciplinary and hands-on experience in the sustainability field. Her passion for the environment is rooted in community engagement and education, and she is thrilled to be a part of the UTRCA Community Partnerships team where she can help with the many community events UTRCA takes part in. She is looking forward to further building her skills and connecting with the community throughout the rest of her internship. 

Once he finished his undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at Wilfrid Laurier University, Russell decided to expand his learnings and pursue his Master’s degree at Western University to gain practical, first-hand field experience in the environment and sustainability sector while helping build relationships in the community. This opportunity ties perfectly into Russell’s interests, as educating and connecting with the community is at the heart of his passion for the environment. He is excited to be working in Community Partnerships at the UTRCA and looks forward to taking part in upcoming events and learning opportunities that will support his growth and community connections throughout the summer. 

With funding from Nature London and Labatt Breweries, Bethany and Russell will spend part of their summer researching how to build a new community science program, “Thames River Connections,” for the UTRCA. This project will develop a volunteer management program that allows volunteers to connect with the environment and local watersheds in addition to aiding UTRCA with long term projects. Keep your eyes out in the coming months for the pilot project volunteer sign-ups!