Summer Steward Projects

Stream and Riparian Vegetarian Restoration

Host: Eileen Gyllenberg, Gyllenberg Ranch, 2021

Over the course of a week, interns created stream-beds to connect springs to streams and ponds and cleared the overcrowded surrounding forested areas. Excess tree material was used build a maze gate to allow easy access to a fenced area that keeps buffalo at bay. Overall, the land is more resilient to insect pests and wildfires, while supporting greater diversity of wildlife and vegetation.

Pictured: Keanna and Brooke (2021 interns) shovel soil and gravel to direct the streamflow from a pond that was constructed.

Woodland Stewardship

Interns identify and mark healthy trees that will remain in the forest. The other trees are condemned, and their lumber is reused for future projects.

Left Photo: 2021 Intern marks a healthy tree.

Bottom Photo: 2019 Intern takes a tree core sample.

Wildlife Friendly Fencing

Host: Maurizo Valerio

Interns removed barbed wire fencing from the Valerio Ranch. Barbed wire is harmful to wildlife and threatens their way of life. Species are unable to freely travel from different locations without the risk of being caught on a barbed-wire fence. Eliminating bared wire improves the livelihoods of wildlife and bolsters forest ecosystems.

Interns replace barbed wire fencing with a wooden fence made from poles from condemned trees. The wooden fence eliminates the risk of harm to the wildlife animals. The spacing dimensions of the fence were created so deer could safely jump over. There is enough spacing below for the fawn to crawl under.

Pictured: Brooke, Keanna, Jordan, Maurizo (2021 interns and project host)

Water Quality Testing

Host: Amanda from Powder Basin Watershed Council

The 2021 Interns spent two days traveling to different sites along the Powder River. At each site, they helped collect water samples that were later shipped to a testing facility in Boise, Idaho. Amanda explained that the purpose of these samples was to see how the Elk Feeding stations were affecting the health of the river.

Hardwood Management

Host: Steve Edwards

The interns worked on Steve Edwards property. A few of the main goals were fire risk management, accessibility, and hardwood management.

Left Photo: 2022 Intern

Bottom Photo: 2021 Intern