KLT interns advance local conservation work

SANDPOINT — Two new interns are taking on the task of helping Kaniksu Land Trust in their conservation, connection, and community work. Jenn Manelski and Miranda Seuell have returned to Sandpoint from college for a summer of hands-on conservation experience.

KLT’s Summer Conservation and Education internship aims to bring local returning college students pursuing fields of conservation and/or education back to their community to serve and gain practical work experience. Jenn and Miranda fit the bill perfectly, both having a passion for community and the outdoors.

Born in Washington state, Jenn’s family moved to North Bend when she was four years old. Growing up surrounded by nature, her parents instilled in her an appreciation for nature and a desire to preserve it. Her dad served on the board of directors of several conservation organizations and would bring Jenn and her sister along on volunteer projects.

Her family started visiting Sandpoint when she was 6 and they would spend summers in the area every year until her parents retired and moved here permanently.

“This is home,” she said.

Jenn is majoring in business of science and sustainability and minoring in sustainable business management at Loyola University in Chicago, renowned for its environmental science program and School of Environmental Sustainability.

“Growing up in small towns, I wanted a new experience of being in a big city. But, I love that I get to come home to a small town,” she shared.

Her big career goal is to help large corporations discover renewable energy resources to operate more sustainably and efficiently.

This summer, she is looking forward to getting some relevant experience as well as digging more into KLT’s history and work.

“I’m also looking forward to being outside all summer,” she confessed.

Born in Mesa, Arizona, Miranda Seuell lived in six states and two countries by the time she graduated high school. Raised in a military family, she enjoyed experiencing the full spectrum of climates, from Alaska to Hawaii and South Carolina to Sandpoint. She spent her tween years in Japan where she became fully immersed in the culture’s festivals, food, and even skiing.

“Not having the same people around all the time, I gravitated to nature because it was a constant everywhere I lived,” she reflected.

After dabbling in summer courses in environmental science, she developed a passion for learning about endangered species. She participated in Brown University’s research on rising cloud coverage in Costa Rica’s rain forests and became fascinated with earth’s natural interdependencies.

As a sophomore at UCLA, studying environmental science, she intends to put her education and knowledge of regenerative agriculture to work at her family farm in Missouri. Her summer internship experience will give her practical experience as she participates in a variety of KLT’s community partnerships with food growers and land stewards.

“I really care about focusing on conservation at the local level with the community, making sure the community is part of it and cares about the same things. That’s what makes a strong movement,” she concluded.

This summer, you can find Jenn and Miranda on KLT’s public access properties working on forest management projects, leading nature walks, sharing educational experiences, and assisting with KLT events.

“Naturally, summer is a busy time for the Land Trust. We have lots of people out enjoying the woods and trails, a partner reading program for children, Camp Kaniksu, the Let’s Picnic summer food program and our annual fundraising events.  It would not be possible to serve our community at this high of capacity without the amazing energy of our interns. Plus, each intern brings a unique perspective, set of experiences and thirst for more knowledge that excites us in this work that aims to support the youth in our community,” said Katie Cox, KLT executive director.

The KLT Conservation and Education Intern Program is funded through individual contributions received from Idaho Gives. KLT wishes to acknowledge and thank those donors for making this important program possible.

Information: kaniksu.org