Help Protect Native Species!

• Invasive Control Internships are great positions for someone interested in spending the summer (fall, winter, or spring) outside.  Invasive species interns spend a large amount of time off trail getting to know an area intimately. 
• In 2007 there were 247 SCA Botany and Restoration positions located in 34 states in all regions of the country and working with state, federal, and private agencies, including the NPS, USFS, and The Nature Conservancy.
• Invasive plant species are generally treated in one of four ways – prevention, mechanical control (mowing, felling, and hand pulling), biological control (the use of beneficial insects), and herbicides.
• SCA and the National Park Service allow the use of herbicides only when they provide the most efficient and/or environmentally compatible method for managing invasive plants.
• Interns are involved in direct application – herbicides are applied directly to a stump, the area around the plant, or foliage – not broad spectrum spraying and must be trained in safe and effective use of chemicals, supervised by licensed herbicide applicators, and provided with personal protection equipment during the use of herbicides.
• These herbicides are similar to commercially available Roundup and are mixed to the minimum dilution necessary for the job.  The resulting concentration is often less toxic than “over the counter” weed killers for sale in stores. 
• Invasive positions are not limited to botany majors – most sites are willing to train interns to identify and treat the targeted species.

Click here for a list of botany and restoration internships currently available.