Barclay-Pierce Conservation Internship

Earth Works Institute and The Quivira Coalition have jointly awarded two internship positions as part of their new collaborative Barclay-Pierce Conservation Internship program. Early this year the two Santa Fe conservation groups teamed up to offer and share two internship positions that allow two promising, young conservationists to participate in on-the-job training with both organizations. The purpose of the internship is to advance the careers of promising young adults and develop the next generation of conservation leaders.

Please welcome the Barclay-Pierce Conservation Interns, Justin Cook and Avery Affholter...

In Justin's own words ~
I was born and raised near Houston, Texas. I eventually moved to Colorado Springs to attend Colorado College and will be entering my third year there this coming September. I am a double major in Southwest Studies and Sociology. My studies focus primarily on the challenges facing ranchers in the Southwest, ways to sustain the ranching lifestyle, and how sustainable forms of agriculture can be utilized as tools for social change. I am passionate about working with people who empower communities, conserve natural landscapes, and support local economies through ranching or farming.

I have had the great opportunity to travel throughout New Mexico while studying at Colorado College to learn about a variety of issues in this state from sustainable forestry to uranium mining. My decision to apply for this internship was based on my desire to further immerse myself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of New Mexico. I hope to advance my understanding of the unique challenges facing this region of the country and the possible solutions available to overcome those challenges.

In Avery's own words ~
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, with most of my family in the area, including Belen, NM. Growing up, the extent of my exposure to agriculture and ranching was when my uncle would host a matanza in Belen; or, spending time at my stepmom's cabin in Mora, NM and visiting the nearby Salman Raspberry Ranch (it was so beautiful and they had alpacas!). Camping trips were always one night and near the car, and a backyard vegetable garden was certainly a foreign concept to me until I reached adulthood. Translation: my involvement in nature during childhood and adolescence was negligible.

I had been living and working in Colorado Springs for the last six and a half years, never establishing a significant connection to the area. After five interesting years of working in higher education, the time came when I knew I had to pursue my passion and become involved in something more meaningful to me. My interest in sustainable agriculture, the American food system, and ecological restoration was finally drawing me out of the traditional working world. Fortunately, the universe smiled upon me and I read Revolution on the Range at the same time my life was headed in a new direction.

What I read was inspiring and synchronous with what was occurring around me; so much so, that I wrote to Courtney White and told him how I felt about the book. At the end of his thoughtful response to my letter, Courtney mentioned Quivira's search for a summer intern. At the time I received his email, I had been accepted to Colorado State University's Rangeland Ecology program and I was planning to move to Fort Collins, CO. However, New Mexico (home!) was calling my name and the circumstances under which I discovered the internship were too coincidental for me to ignore. So, here I am! Hooray!