Summer 2024 Sustainability Intern: Jess Gustafson

Hello Watershed Neighbors!

My name is Jess Gustafson and I’m the new Sustainability Intern at TCWC this summer. I’m an undergrad at Lewis & Clark College, majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Gender Studies. 

I started my internship last month in June and will continue until the end of August! I’m super excited to be a part of TCWC and learn more about restoration-focused non-profit work. Going to Lewis & Clark College, I regularly hike in the Tryon Creek State Natural Area and know that it is a source of recreation and comfort for a lot of students at the college. It’s such a cool experience to see the behind-the-scenes work that TCWC does and learn more about how to be an environmental steward in the local watershed. 

Some projects I have been working on so far are helping write grants to allow TCWC to continue working on restoration projects as well as implement new ones, helping with internal systems like organizing the contacts of volunteers, partners, landowners, and other stakeholders, and helping extend the reach of the organization and increase participation in TCWC events. I’m also interested in creating new projects and activities to bridge gaps between watershed neighbors as well as the Lewis & Clark College community and the great restoration work that TCWC does here in Tryon.

I look forward to meeting some of you at future events!

Written by Jess Gustafson, Sustainability Intern (Lewis & Clark College)