The Urban Forestry team is excited to have two interns this summer through the State of Wisconsin Student Development Internship Program (SWSDIP). They will be working out of the Milwaukee DNR office but will also have opportunities to get involved in projects in other parts of the state. The Urban Forestry interns always hit the ground running, squeezing an impressive number of activities into their time with the program. Watch for an article later in the year summarizing their experience with the Urban Forestry program.

Emma Kimball

From Emma Kimball: I’m so excited to join the team as an urban forest assessment intern! I’m originally from Westmont, Illinois, and I moved to Milwaukee to go to school at Marquette, where I am majoring in environmental science and minoring in political science. During the school year, I work in an evolutionary biology lab, where I get to care for geckos and snakes! I also do research in soil ecology for an ecology lab, where we study how animal feces impact soil microbe respiration (I know it sounds gross, but I promise it’s very interesting). Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, taking care of my plants, sewing, rewatching my favorite sitcoms and obsessing over my pets, a crested gecko named Andy and a box turtle named Fergalicious. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, and I can’t wait to get started!

Casey Czerwonka

From Casey Czerwonka: I grew up in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. In the fall, I will be a junior at UW-Milwaukee, majoring in conservation and environmental science. I’ve participated in events held by the Environmental Club, GeoEnvi and the Sustainability Office at school, and my favorite events have been the nature walks. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time near the lake, looking for fossils, crafting and playing video games. I also have a German Shepherd and 10 chickens at home that I love very much. I’m looking forward to beginning my internship with the Wisconsin DNR as an urban forest assessment technician!