Wild Rivers Conservancy

As we near the end of the year, we are reflecting on the work that the Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway accomplished - work that would not have been possible without the addition of 11 interns working side by side with our staff over the summer months. These incredible summer interns touched every part of operations at both Wild Rivers Conservancy and the Riverway.

The internship program started in 2014 to help with staffing shortages during federal sequestration and they have continued each summer since then. The important work these young adults do is vital to the health and future of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. These young professionals work with Conservancy and National  Park Service scientists and educators in the areas of invasive species monitoring and removal, community engagement, resource management, park guide, and land use management.

Creating impactful experiences for these young adults comes with a price tag. Conservancy interns are fairly compensated, provided uniforms and the equipment to succeed in their role. Training is provided in the areas of: kayak skills, CPR and first aid, driving with a trailer as well as defensive driving, power tool safety and use, herbicide application, psychological safety, professionalism, and more. 

Here is one intern's summary of the summer’s impact:

 This internship experience was a million times better than I could have ever imagined. Every single day I’ve worked here I’ve said to myself “I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this” because it doesn’t even feel like work. 

Through this internship I have been able to do things that I’ve never done before and learn about things I never knew. For instance, trout surveying was my absolute favorite thing and I wish I could’ve done it more because doing the survey really fulfilled my inner child - I felt like I was a biologist on one of the National Geographic shows I grew up watching and admiring. 

I also learned so much about plant taxonomy and about different methods to combat invasive species. I knew nothing about galerucella beetles, veliger tows, nor watercraft inspections. It’s funny because watercraft inspections as a job is not something I ever knew existed, but it makes so much sense that it does and I can’t imagine how much of a positive impact inspectors have on the ecosystem. 

This experience was one of the best things I have done EVER and I enjoyed every minute of it and will cherish this place forever. Thank you for having me, I will use everything I learned here to continue to advocate for this watershed, my local ecosystem, as well as our planet Earth. I will also use my newfound kayaking, plant monitoring, and aquatic vegetation skills to further myself in my career as a wildlife manager.

Make your donation today to help the Conservancy, along with an incoming class of 2025 interns, as we continue the important work towards our vision of a thriving watershed, forever accessible, scenic, and wild. Your gift will help Wild Rivers Conservancy by supporting our team as we connect more Riverway stewards to the vital work of preserving this incredible natural resource.

About Our National Park

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is a border river between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The St. Croix River and its tributary, the Namekagon River, makeup 255 miles of protected Riverway. 

In 1968, these rivers were established as the nation’s first wild and scenic river national park for their free-flowing character, exceptional water quality, and the recreational, cultural, historic, and aesthetic values present in the Riverway. The park is host to globally unique species and is a rare example of a healthy, intact riverine system. 

Visitors can camp, hike, take photos, and observe wildlife in its natural habitat — or swim, paddle, fish, and more. The Riverway is a true recreation “hot-spot” for the nearby Twin Cities Metro area and upwards of a million visitors from around the world each year.

Who We Are

Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix & Namekagon is the only nonprofit focused specifically and exclusively on the St. Croix watershed. As the official nonprofit partner for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the Conservancy actively partners with the National Park Service on education initiatives, land and water protection, invasive species detection and prevention, and public access programs.

What You Can Do Today!

• Donate to support your national park
• Sign up to be a Riverway Volunteer
• Connect with the Conservancy on Facebook and Instagram
• Encourage your friends and family or organization to attend a Conservancy event
• Make a plan to visit the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers

Photo Credit: Wild Rivers Conservancy, Katrina Schlicker, Alyssa McGlade, Libby Sykes, Kylee Wesbrook