2009 Interns--the final word

We spent this morning reviewing the fine work that our most recent crop of interns produced, and brainstorming how we can improve next year's program. Thanks go out to the supporters of the Summer Intern Program, as well as Board Members who put in so much time to make it such a success.

Let us leave you with a version of the 2009 Summer Intern's graduation presentation from August 6, 2009. Here is part one--be sure to watch all 4 parts!

Best of the Interns--2009

SIP River of Grass presentation

As promised in the previous posting--we are supplying a version the presentation that our Summer Interns delivered to the River of Grass Planning Session on August 4, 2009. The presentation, entitled Valuing Ecosystem Services, attempts to persuade the SFWMD to consider placing a monetary value on the ecosystem goods and services provided by the features of the various ROG plans. When the 'live' version becomes available--we will attempt to bring that to you as well.

Thanks again to our 2009 SIP graduates for their tremendous work!

Celebrating our Summer Interns

This is a busy week for our group of five, industrious interns. On Tuesday (August 4) they made a presentation to the Water Resource Advisory Committee during the River of Grass planning session. The presentation, entitled Valuing Ecosystem Services, was simulcast via the web, and should soon be available to download online. The interns were clear, concise and engaging. The audience of political leaders, senior scientists, government policy makers and NGO Everglades advocates all applauded their work. We are very proud of their performance!

On Thursday, the group will be making their graduation presentation at 33480 Bar and Grill in West Palm Beach. This annual event gives the interns a chance to reflect and review their eleven-week internship and to thank the many mentors who have helped them succeed. The event begins at 5:30pm and the cost is only $35. Tickets are still available--call 561-805-8733 for reservations and more information.

About the photo: Once again, Senator Bob Graham served as a mentor for the 2009 Interns. The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation thanks Senator Graham for his support of the Everglades and of the Summer Intern Program.

UPDATE--when the presentation becomes available online, you will find it here: https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page?_pageid=2814,22134068&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Reviving the River of Grass

Kudos to the South Florida Water Management District for the level of openess and public service that has been displayed during the River of Grass Planning Charettes. During open meetings with stakeholders, NGO's and local officials the District has helped put together 9 options to turn the Governor's US Sugar purchase into real Everglades restoration. You can see the Marshall Plan map attached. Click HERE to examine the history of the planning sessions, to see the maps and merits of the 9 different plans, and to find the dates for future meetings.

Our Summer Interns will be attending these meetings all summer long. Near the end of their time with us, we hope they will be able to give their thoughts to the planning process as they address the ROG planners in an open forum.

Interns Start with a bang!

The Foundation is proud to welcome our newest group of Interns. For the next 11 weeks, they will be hip-deep in the Everglades (sometimes literally). We look forward to a fun and rewarding summer, as we glimpse the future of Everglades Restoration leaders. Thanks for joining us!

Here they are with Senator Bill Nelson after a meeting held jointly with Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Congressman Kendrick Meek and Congressman Ron Klein.

Everglades Restoration Volunteer Event: April 25th 2009 at the Grassy Waters Preserve; WPB Florida