Lincoln College Announces New Conservation Biology Partnership
College partners with Starhill Forest Arboretum on new internship program

[March 05, 2018] 

LINCOLN

The Lincoln College Conservation Biology program is announcing a partnership with the Starhill Forest Arboretum to offer a new internship opportunity for Lincoln College students at the Arboretum.

“This new partnership is an important enhancement to the Conservation Biology program at Lincoln College. Our Conservation Biology program emphasizes in-the-field learning, research and experience. Starhill Forest Arboretum will be a great partner for our students,” said Dr. David Gerlach, President of Lincoln College.

This new partnership was made possible by the work of Dr. Julia Ossler, Lead Faculty for Conservation Biology at Lincoln College, who had previous experience working with the Arboretum and their internship program. Beyond the new internship opportunities for Lincoln students, the partnership creates opportunities for Lincoln’s students to interact and network with scientific professionals from around the world.

Recognized by the North American Plant Preservation Council, the Starhill Arboretum possesses a world-renowned living reference collection of oak trees (quercetum), as well as an expansive collection of approximately 150 genera of woody plants available for study, herb and perennial landscapes, a native prairie garden, several provenance tests, and a conifer plantation.

Located on 50 acres of woodlands in southern Menard County, the Starhill Arboretum has been owned and operated by the Sternberg family since 1976. The Arboretum has a long-established mission of promoting the understanding and appreciation of trees and nature through programs that integrate science and the liberal arts.

Interns will have the opportunity to spend the summer learning about tree biology and identification, collaborating on current research and special projects, working with the arboretum’s GIS mapping system, and identifying and managing pests and invasive species.

Students will also obtain practical skills working on small construction projects, operating and maintaining tools and equipment, caring for trees and other plants and assisting with tree removals.

Students seeking more information should contact Dr. Ossler at 217-735-7258 or email her at jossler@lincoln college.edu.
 

[Mark Gordon
Public Relations and Media Manager
Lincoln College]