09 Nov The start of something new… as a Natural Resource Intern!

Hello everyone! My name is Danijela Jozinovic and I am extremely excited to begin this new chapter in my life working as a natural resource intern! I graduated from CSU Monterey Bay with a degree in Environmental Studies. While I was an undergrad and after I graduated I was able to dip my toes in a few different fields like volunteer, research, and work. I volunteered for two years with Big Sur Land Trust on a trail maintenance crew. This was the first experience I had where I fell in love with fieldwork and it was also where I first began to learn how to ID certain plants. Then I conducted fog research with a professor and presented my findings at a symposium. Most recently I worked with the BLM at Fort Ord National Monument on an oak tree restoration project. Now I am here at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area eager to begin learning more about the Mission Blue butterfly and its natural habitat. I am excited to begin working and see all the projects that are happening in the park. I am looking forward to seeing how the project changes seasonally and all the new skills I will develop during this internship. During this position, I hope to improve my botany skills, learn more about the habitat around me, and make connections! 

My parents are from Croatia but have immigrated to America and now live in Hayward, CA. My parents were deeply connected to the land they lived on and they have inspired me to pursue a career in protecting and preserving the land. I wanted to give them a shoutout because without them I would not be where I am at today.

I have been here on Fort Cronk for a few days now and I have been in awe with all the natural beauty that surrounds me. My fellow interns and I were able to hike locally around and get a feel for the area around us. It is amazing to be so close to a big city like San Francisco but still be able to feel the peaceful presence of nature all around us.