Arboretum Management & Database Development

The Morton Arboretum

Mentors

Jessica Turner-Skoff, PhD Science Communication Leader, Science and Conservation
Sue Paist ArbNet Coordinator, Science and Conservation
Amy Byrne Global Tree Conservation Coordinator, Oak Consortium, Science and Conservation

Company & Project Background

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and studying trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to displaying them ross our 1700 square acres. Over 1 million people visit our living laboratory each year. Join our Science and Conservation department to act locally to protect trees in the Chicago region, work globally to prevent the extinction of trees, and to inspire and engage the next generation of tree scientists.

In 2011, The Morton Arboretum launched ArbNet, an interactive community of arboreta that is designed to support the common purposes and interests of tree-focused public gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program which establishes specific standards of professional practice and offers four levels of accreditation. In tandem, we created the Morton Register of Arboreta – a list and database of arboreta and other public gardens that have a substantial focus on woody plants. To fulfill its mission, ArbNet provides:

• Helpful resources to improve operations, research, conservation, education.
• Arboretum-focused news and events.
• The opportunity to connect with other arboreta to collaborate with in scientific, collections, and conservation activities.
• A broad network to help advance the planting, care, and conservation of trees.

Internship Description

This internship is a great opportunity to learn about and connect with arboreta and tree-focused science and conservation that is occuring around the world, and learn about nonprofit management. A MyChoice intern will primarily be responsible for synthesizing information from previous ArbNet applications and managing a large database. The intern will be encouraged to develop an independent analysis question using information about the programs, science and conservation, collections, etc. from the over 450 accredited arboreta found throughout the world. Additional projects may include supporting the organization of an upcoming international conference.

This would be a perfect internship for a student that is interested in working at a  non-profit/informal learning institution setting. Further, this internship will provide information and networking opportunities with the extensive ArbNet community.

Specific Objectives

• Management of a large database
• Independent analysis of database
• Producing a short, written report of key findings of the analysis.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in interpersonal relationships, organization, and critical thinking required.
• Self-motivated and willingness to network.
• Ability in disseminating information and communicating key messages verbally and in writing. 
• Open to constructive feedback.
• Well-versed in Microsoft Office and willing to learn new skills.