Welcome Noah Sticha, as our New GIS Intern!

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Noah Sticha, GIS Intern.
A man stands in front of a metal mammoth statue and among wildflowers.
Noah Sticha, GIS Intern. Photo by IATA Staff.

We are excited to welcome Noah Sticha to the Alliance as our new GIS Intern!

Noah recently graduated from UW-Madison, where he studied GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and Geography. The GIS Internship felt like the perfect opportunity to converge “my academic interests and love for the outdoors,” says Noah.

A man sits on a large tree stump over a lake.
In his free time, Noah loves spending time outdoors. Photo by Noah Sticha.

Originally from St Paul, Minn., Noah was introduced to the Ice Age Trail at Interstate State Park (home of the Western Terminus). After he moved to Wisconsin, Noah coincidentally hiked more Ice Age Trail segments, including Devil’s Lake and in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. “I saw the Mammoth Hiking Challenge logo at some trailhead signs and I slowly started to learn more about the Ice Age Trail,” says Noah.

Noah is passionate about using GIS tools to assist environmental conservation efforts. The Alliance works to permanently protect land for current and future Ice Age Trail, and GIS plays a huge role in this conservation work. As the GIS Intern, he will help update, create, and maintain GIS data and maps in order to make the Ice Age Trail more accessible to various audiences.

Noah hit the ground running at the Alliance. Within his first month on the job, he updated the Alliance’s Think Outside StoryMap, which recaps the program’s 2022-2023 school year of getting fourth graders out on the Ice Age Trail. “This project was very cool and rewarding because I loved the outdoors as a kid, but not all kids have the same access and resources to outdoor spaces and activities. It is great the Think Outside Program assists with this initiative,” says Noah.

 

In his free time, Noah loves outdoor activities: hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and visiting National Parks. He also enjoys reading fantasy novels, watching movies, and listening to music.

A young couple take a selfie during a hike.
Noah and his girlfriend smile during a summer hike. Photo by Noah Sticha.
A man smiles while canoeing.
Noah enjoys one of his favorite outdoor activities: canoeing. Photo by Noah Sticha.

Through the GIS Internship, Noah looks forward to using maps and GIS tools to expand knowledge and awareness about the Ice Age Trail. He wants to help get more people interested in the outdoors/hiking, plus the Alliance’s mission and vision.

 

So far, Noah says a highlight of his new position has been the office dogs (Gandalf, Smokey, and Riley). Many of his co-workers would likely second this sentiment.

We look forward to working with Noah to conserve, create, maintain, and promote the Ice Age Trail!