We are thrilled to introduce the newest PLT Team member, Kelsey Vershum! Kelsey is coming on board for the summer through the generous support of the Conservation Without Borders Scholarship through the University of Idaho’s College of Natural Resources.

I have just started my internship with the Palouse Land Trust, and I already know I will enjoy working with this wonderful organization. I have recently finished my sophomore year at the University of Idaho, where I am pursuing a degree in Conservation Biology, as well as a GIS certification. I heard about this internship opportunity through my advisor and applied as soon as I could.

I grew up spending a lot of time outdoors with my family and friends. I love hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, and many other outdoor recreations. Spending so much time outside made me very passionate about sustainability and conserving the outdoors so that future generations get to have the same opportunities to interact with the outdoors.

I also was part of a program during my junior year of high school called the Outdoor Studies Program, which combines English, History, and Environmental Science. We learned all about the outdoors and its history, got to go on field trips to conduct labs and other scientific research, and learned writing skills to help with our lab reports we would write. This program was a big factor as well in my passion and love for the environment. I am currently a member of Tri Delta on the University of Idaho campus, and I created a position in my chapter to promote sustainable living and changes around my sorority to reduce the waste produced by the members.

I am very excited about my time working for the Palouse Land Trust, and I believe it will give me more of an idea of what careers I would like to pursue after I finish my degree. Right now I would love to stay in the Pacific Northwest and either work as a public land manager or pursue a career focused on using GIS. I have learned so much already here and I cannot wait to learn more.