Welcome 2022 CLIP interns!

On June 1 TLC welcomed four new interns (and welcomed back a Crew Leader) to the Conservation Leader Internship Program (CLIP) for 2022. We are excited to have them as part of the program and will be sharing their experiences in the coming weeks! CLIP is a paid summer internship that provides underserved communities such as women and BIPOC students/youth with hands-on professional training in the field of conservation.

Amelia Swiecki is a rising senior at Crystal Lake South High School from Crystal Lake, IL. Her AP Environmental Science class last year sparked Amelia’s interest in the field of conservation. Outside of the field, Amelia enjoys all things music, hanging out with friends, and playing with her cats. She is really excited to learn about sustainable farming practices and techniques this summer!

Breanna Christensen is now a junior at Western Illinois University where she studies forensic chemistry with minors in environmental studies and applied mathematics. She is from Spring Grove, IL and loves artistic activities such as playing the piano. Bree is most excited to learn about pollinator gardens and conservation techniques.

Isaac Servin recently finished his first year of college where he endeavored in cellular and organismal biology. He is at the moment thinking about pursuing a career in biology secondary education. Other than pursuing science Isaac is an active bass player of a Regional Mexican band and plays all around chicagoland. Isaac is most excited to learn about conservation techniques and plant identification. 

Gretchen Casper just finished her first year of college at the University of Riverfalls in Environmental Science. Her hometown was Woodstock, then she moved to Marengo. Her fun fact is that she is a rock climbing photographer. She is excited to learn about new plants and to increase her knowledge of conservation. 

Kristi Robinson just graduated from McHenry High School and will be attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale this fall as a Geography & Environmental Resources Major, hoping to minor in Botany as well. She was a CLIP intern last season, and is excited to return as Crew Leader this summer. In her free time, Kristi loves biking, hiking, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. She is eager to share her knowledge of plants and conservation with this year’s cohort of interns.