I recently completed an engaging and growth-filled eight-week internship with Memphis Native Tree Works (MNTW). As the largest provider of native plants in West Tennessee, MNTW is dedicated to regenerating healthy ecosystems by growing, raising, and planting native trees and plants. Their mission focuses on developing and restoring green spaces across residential, commercial, and public areas in Memphis.
This summer, I made substantial contributions through the development of GIS maps, virtual tours for MNTW, property maintenance, and native plant installation:
GIS Maps: I created detailed base maps of properties across various neighborhoods, which are designed to evolve with MNTW's needs. These maps can be enhanced to tell multiple stories with data overlays such as wildlife corridors, tree canopy growth, and changes in garden speciation. They are crucial for visualizing project deliverables and tracking timelines internally, and they also serve as compelling tools for engaging with donors and potential supporters by showcasing our progress and impact.
Virtual Tours: I developed virtual tours using Google Earth for both the tree nursery and the Washington Bottoms urban farm. These tours provide community members with a comprehensive view of our properties, improving their understanding before a visit and strengthening our outreach efforts.
Maintenance and Installation: Contributed to the creation of urban pocket prairies and wildlife corridors by planting native species, constructing fences to define these spaces, seeding native grasses to mitigate invasive species, and designing inviting landscapes for community engagement.
These initiatives will significantly boost MNTW's visibility and support its growth as an organization.
My core values of ecological and community resilience and healing align with MNTW's day-to-day operations. I am excited to continue this work and alignment with MNTW and their mother organization, The Works, Inc., during my final year at Rhodes College. #bratsummer
Environmental Science Major at The University of South Florida
1moThank you so much!