From left to right: Eva Ballering, Krista Schmidt, and McKenna Hammons.
Providing opportunities for future leaders to engage in hands-on conservation efforts here at the Leopold Foundation is an ongoing effort. We’re excited to welcome our second cohort of 2016 seasonal fellows who will work alongside our stewardship staff to care for Leopold’s landscape.
Eva Ballering graduated from University of Minnesota and is now working towards a master’s degree in international forestry at Albert Ludwigs University in southern Germany. A native of Madison, WI, Eva likes to hike with her dogs and explore the natural world. She hopes to learn technical skills during her internship, such as welding and the use of chainsaws and other mechanized tools. After she completes her internship, she plans to return to the foundation to attend our prescribed burn school.
McKenna Hammons grew up in Clear Lake, WI, where from a young age she heard of the many accomplishments of former Wisconsin senator and governor, Gaylord Nelson, who also came from Clear Lake. McKenna credits Nelson’s work with inspiring her to pursue a degree in natural resources. She is currently a sophomore at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), majoring in wildlife ecology and management. At UWSP, she participates in the Archery Club, Canine Project, and The Wildlife Society. This summer, she hopes to learn more about how habitat management promotes healthy wildlife dynamics. In her free-time, McKenna enjoys reading, nature photography, archery, and playing guitar.
Krista Schmidt is an undergraduate at the University of California, Davis, where she is pursuing a degree in wildlife, fish, and conservation biology. When not studying for class, Krista can be found hiking, trying new food, and line dancing. As a Southern California native, she also enjoys all things water-related, including kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply lazing at the beach. Krista became interested in conservation through many years of outdoor exploration, and is especially intrigued by riparian habitats. She engages in conservation work so that future generations can also enjoy nature and the outdoors.