Roles and responsibilities
The garden is tended to almost every day during the summer. An intern would accompany a CCE Educator to the site on most days of the week to help maintain the space. This could include but is not limited to caring for the beds (planting, pruning, weeding, watering), observing for new or known pests and beneficial insects, identifying areas of improvement for managing pests and best management practices for plantings. Other than working in the garden an intern would assist in research and development of an IPM and BPM plan for the garden. These plans or portions of them could be used for educational purposes within CCE Onondaga’s MGV and/or other CCE Onondaga outreach efforts. The intern would be present (or involved) with outreach and education events in the VoFG targeted to both MGV and the public. Opportunities outside the garden will also be available including but not limited to: tick-related outreach events and 4-H Camp programming.
Qualifications and previous coursework
This opportunity is available to non-graduating students in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
- Previous work in entomology (identifying insects/managing insects) or garden based learning would be a plus, but not required.
- Ideal candidate has a desire to learn, comfortable working outside in various conditions and work with group toward a common goal.
- A valid driver's license and personal transportation is needed as there will be travel to the CCE Onondaga office and NYS Fairgrounds
Learning outcomes
- Experience researching and preparing educational materials for casual and more experienced audiences
- Identifying and researching plant pests (arthropod and fungal) and diseases
- Implementing IPM and BPM techniques and plans
