An Introduction to the New Nature Net Intern!

Hi there! My name is Emma Burton and I just began my internship for Nature Net. I'm a senior at UW-Madison triple majoring in biological aspects of conservation, community and environmental sociology, and environmental studies, which is really just a fancy way of saying, "I love nature!"

I am originally from Wisconsin and I grew up in a very small town about 60 miles west of Madison, so I know the area well and consider myself a true Badger. When I was growing up, I loved being outside and learning about the natural world. Surprisingly enough, though, I did not go to college with the intent of majoring in anything to do with the environment. I was almost certain I would go into journalism until I took an environmental studies class on a whim during my first semester and I fell in love with it. Now, I cannot imagine my life going in any other direction and I have never regretted making the decision to devote myself to the protection of the environment.

In the spring of 2013, I got an amazing opportunity to study abroad in Australia through the School for Field Studies. I spent three and a half months living in a cabin in the middle of the rainforest of Far North Queensland with people who would become some of my very best friends. We took classes on rainforest preservation and restoration, learned about the native fauna, and interacted with the local community on an almost daily basis.

My trip to an aviary in Kuranda, Australia

I also had several opportunities to go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, which was definitely my favorite part of the trip. Now that I am back in Madison, I have just been appreciating the beautiful fall weather. I have also been working as an intern for Fitchburg Fields, which is an organization that grows organic produce and donates most of it to local food pantries.

Horseback riding in beautiful New Zealand

In my free time, I love to go bird watching. Wisconsin has some of the most amazing migratory and non-migratory birds and I try to take at least a few hours out of my week to sit by the lake and enjoy them. I'm an animal lover in general and I have a pet hedgehog named Penelope who keeps my roommates and me company. Other than animals, my personal interests include knitting. I have made several sweaters and I love to knit gifts for my friends and family.

My hedgehog, Penelope, playing in the grass

Over the next few months, I'll be writing blog posts, updating the Facebook page, and keeping Nature Net up to date with tons of fun activities for you and your friends and family!