High Altitude Demonstration Garden

Mountain Region

Park 

County 

Primary Topic:

Horticulture

Other Topics:

Natural Resources

Lead Mentor:  

Barbie Garnett

Park County Extension Director

Internship Overview:

This internship offers an exciting opportunity for students interested in environmental conservation, horticulture, and community engagement. Hosted in the picturesque landscape of Park County, interns will actively participate in designing, building, and maintaining a demonstration garden that showcases sustainable gardening practices, native flora, and environmental stewardship.

Objectives:
Garden Design: Collaborate on the conceptualization and design of the demonstration garden, incorporating elements of sustainable landscaping, native plant species, and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation: Engage in hands-on activities to prepare the garden site, including soil preparation, installation of irrigation systems, and construction of walkways or seating areas.
Planting & Maintenance: Assist in the selection, sourcing, and planting of native plants and sustainable vegetation. Learn about proper garden maintenance, including watering, weeding, and pest control using eco-friendly methods.
Community Outreach: Participate in community events and workshops aimed at educating the public about the importance of native plants, sustainable gardening practices, and environmental conservation.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with team members to brainstorm and contribute to the garden’s design.
Assist in physical tasks such as digging, planting, mulching, and maintaining garden beds.
Participate in educational outreach events, workshops, and guided tours for visitors.
Document the garden’s progress through photographs, videos, or written content for promotional purposes or educational materials.
Engage with local experts and organizations to gain insights into Colorado’s native plants and sustainable gardening techniques.

Goals, Scope and Objectives:

Goals:
Educational Outreach: Raise awareness about sustainable gardening practices and the significance of native plants in the local ecosystem through educational workshops and community engagement.
Environmental Conservation: Contribute to the preservation of biodiversity by establishing a demonstration garden that showcases the beauty and importance of native flora in Colorado’s landscape.
Hands-On Learning: Provide students with practical experience in garden design, construction, and maintenance, fostering skills in horticulture and sustainable landscaping.

Scope:
The internship’s scope encompasses various activities related to the creation of a demonstration garden, including:
Collaborative garden design incorporating sustainable practices and native plant species.
Preparation of the garden site, including soil preparation and installation of necessary infrastructure (irrigation systems, pathways, etc.).
Selection, sourcing, and planting of native plants, followed by regular garden maintenance (watering, weeding, pest control).
Participation in community events, workshops, and guided tours to educate the public about the garden’s significance and sustainable gardening methods.
Objectives:
Design & Planning: Collaborate on the conceptualization and design of the demonstration garden, ensuring it aligns with sustainable landscaping principles and educational goals.
Implementation: Execute the planned garden design by actively participating in site preparation, infrastructure setup, and physical construction.
Planting & Maintenance: Assist in the selection, sourcing, and planting of native plants while learning best practices for garden maintenance, including sustainable watering and pest control methods.
Community Engagement: Engage with the local community through educational events, workshops, and guided tours to impart knowledge about native plants, conservation, and sustainable gardening practices.

With which stakeholder group(s) will the intern work?

This intern will work mostly with the county government, platte canyon chamber, Master Gardeners.

What student learning outcomes do you anticipate and what are the opportunities for professional development?

Interns participating in this project will have avenues for professional growth:
Networking: Interacting with experts, local organizations, and stakeholders presents networking opportunities, potentially leading to connections for future employment or educational pursuits in environmental conservation or horticulture.
Mentorship: Working closely with experienced mentors will provide guidance and insights, facilitating skill enhancement and professional development within the field.
Portfolio Building: Documenting the garden’s progress and contributions made during the internship can serve as tangible evidence of hands-on experience, enhancing resumes or portfolios for future career endeavors.
Leadership Skills: Taking ownership of specific aspects of the project or leading community engagement activities will foster leadership qualities and project management skills beneficial in various professional settings.
Overall, the internship offers a multifaceted learning experience encompassing practical skills, environmental awareness, community engagement, and avenues for professional growth and development.
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