Recreation Meets Conservation With ORTM Student Kara Waskowiak

This past summer, Kara Waskowiak — a junior from Gothenburg, Neb., studying outdoor recreation and tourism management (ORTM) and environment and natural resources — completed an internship through Friends of the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Pinedale, Wyo.

“I think an internship like this was the best thing that I’ve done throughout my college experience,” Waskowiak says. “The internship cemented my decision that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I was also able to make many connections and have amazing experiences, and I feel like I’m just so much more knowledgeable.”

 

Friends of the Bridger-Teton stewards 3.4 million acres, balancing recreation, conservation and ranching. Its mission is based on three pillars — education, collaboration and action — and Waskowiak got to experience all three.

Smokey Bear’s birthday was a highlight for her. “We had a giant 20-foot inflatable Smokey Bear in Jackson Square, and we played Smokey Bear trivia with nearly 400 kids,” Waskowiak says. “That was super fun because everybody was able learn more about fire prevention. In Star Valley, we helped the volunteer trail crew. It was really inspiring to see that people who really care can have such an impact.”

The interns also set up tents at trailheads and farmers markets to educate the public on recreating responsibility. In the process, Waskowiak says she gained public speaking skills. 

“We spoke to people about how to put out their campfire safely, how to store food to minimize wildlife encounters and more,” she says. “We got to engage over 800 people throughout the summer. We were able to also interact with city councils, mayors and commissioners, so that was amazing.”

Waskowiak learned about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a successful nonprofit — a field she’s considering for her career. 

“I really loved working for a nonprofit,” she says. “I felt like there was a lot of passion and purpose behind what we were doing every day, and that’s something I would like to continue for my future as well. I also really enjoyed how they incorporated recreation with conservation efforts because I believe that if people are outdoors having great experiences they’re going to be more likely to want to protect those environments.”

Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality (WORTH) Internship and Employment Coordinator Jordan Kobliska says: “We’re very fortunate at the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute to help support students build their career skills and explore opportunities in the outdoor recreation, tourism and hospitality fields. Internships, like those with Friends of the Bridger Teton, help students learn about the many opportunities to work in this state.”

 

To hear more about Kara Waskowiak’s internship, click here.