We are excited to welcome Miranda Murphy to the Alliance as our new Field Engagement Intern.
Miranda recently graduated from UW-Madison, where she majored in Environmental Studies and Psychology. She was introduced to the Ice Age Trail Alliance during her last semester, when she spent a day at Alliance headquarters through a job shadow program with the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. Growing up in Madison, the Trail has long been a presence in her life, since before she was even aware of it. “I’ve done sections before, but without really thinking about the fact that it was Ice Age Trail, it was just, you know, a trail to hike on.”
The field engagement internship focuses on increasing the number of individuals, with an emphasis on young people, volunteering and engaging with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This role combines field work, outreach events, leading hikes, and refining communication strategies.
Funding for this internship is possible thanks to a grant from the Partnership for the National Trails System.
This position will give Miranda a chance to gain experience in outreach and environmental education; two fields she is especially interested in. “I did a couple of different projects while I was in school tailored towards environmental education. This internship seemed like a great way to be able to work outside, work with people, and get people interested in the environment by being out in nature and learning about it.”
Already, Miranda has gotten out on the Trail for a hike with fourth graders as a part of the Think Outside program. She got to see the impact exposure to the Trail had on the kids. “I really enjoyed working with the fourth graders. If you can make that connection with nature when they are young, they will remember it forever.” The volunteer hike leaders made an impression on her, too. “All of the volunteers are super involved and know a ton about the Trail, especially within their own area. They are all a part of the same organization, but they’ve all got their own ways of doing things.”
What does Miranda hope to accomplish? “I want more people to discover what the Ice Age Trail is all about. Because, I think it’s cool! You’re walking where a glacier used to be? That’s pretty cool.”
You may see her out and about! Miranda will be out in the field at hikes, volunteering, and outreach events all summer and into the fall.
We look forward to working with Miranda to conserve, create, maintain, and promote the Ice Age Trail!
