Helen G. Young (Bresemann
Forest) Memorial Internship
Responsibilities
The intern will serve in two capacities. One role will be managerial,
coordinating maintenance work in the forest. The intern will
determine what work needs to be done, arrange for volunteer
groups to come out, and oversee the work. A log on the condition
of the forest will be updated at least monthly.
For the second role, the intern may choose between two options:
developing educational materials or programs, or initiating
a scientific study. One possibility for the education option
would be to lead nature walks for elementary classes; another
would be to publish and distribute appropriately an informational
brochure on an ecological principle illustrated within Bresemann
Forest. Possibilities for the scientific study option include
research on the effects of non-native plants on wildlife, water-quality
monitoring, or an in-depth study on a particular species.
Click to view a report,
project, or
proposal from previous
interns.
Selection
Criteria
As part of the application process, potential interns will choose
a faculty mentor to help them clarify their plans for education
efforts or scientific study in the forest and to follow up on
their work in those areas. These plans will be outlined in the
application. Selection criteria will include academic performance,
previous work experience, demonstrated interest in the project
and subject areas, and the strength of the student’s plan
of action for the position. Strong applicants will:
- be self-motivated
- have good organizational skills
- be able to work well with many different types of people
- be comfortable outdoors under various weather conditions
- have some knowledge of native plants and indicate an interest
in learning more
Information about Helen G. Young
Helen Gertrude Young was born September 8, 1906, in Olympia,
Washington. She was the granddaughter of the Bresemann pioneers
who owned a furniture factory and mill on Spanaway Creek within
Bresemann Forest. After graduation from Stadium High School,
Helen attended the University of Redlands, then graduated from
the University of Puget Sound in 1931. She became a partner
in the Young Printing and Publishing Company, worked in the
Display Advertising Department for the Tacoma News Tribune,
and later served as postmaster of the Spanaway Post Office.
She was also an officer in numerous clubs. A charter member
of both the Spanaway Historical Society and the Tacoma Historical
Society, Helen served on the board of the Pierce County Landmarks
Commission as well. For many years she was dedicated to the
protection of the Bresemann Forest and contributed considerably
to its establishment and preservation. |