Working at Trout Unlimited for six months in 2025 was one of the most exciting and valuable experiences in my life.
Before starting this internship, I knew I would gain new skills and make new connections during the job. However, I had no idea of the fun adventures and invaluable learning experiences that would be bestowed on me.
The field season showed me incredible new places in Pennsylvania, gave me new friends and connections in my field, increased my knowledge about conservation and fisheries biology immensely and bolstered my confidence as a young scientist excited to enter the conservation field.
A widely varied experience
I was able to help with many kinds of conservation projects this past season within TU’s Eastern Conservation team and other local and state agencies like the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC).
One of the main projects we worked on this summer was PFBC’s Unassessed Waters Initiative (UWI). This work involved performing electrofishing surveys in previously unassessed streams that have potential to be trout streams. If a trout population is found, the stream can be awarded appropriate protection from activities such as pipeline installation and logging.
Some of the places we found trout were very surprising, and it was exciting to know that we were championing the protection of the stream. Working on UWI proved interesting; discovering new places and talking to new people every day.
My favorite part of this internship was learning about Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) and how the streams affected by it are recovering. AMD is a massive issue in my home state of Pennsylvania, so I have been interested in the science behind it for a long time.
The shockingly simple chemistry behind why AMD is harmful to streams and how we can treat them is fascinating. Going out to the treatment systems, sampling water from them and seeing how they clean the polluted water gave me a feeling of hope that our work is making a true difference in the health of Pennsylvania ecosystems.
I also loved doing electrofishing work, of course. It is always so exciting to net a beautiful native brook trout in a pristine stream, or anywhere for that matter. Having the privilege to see these beautiful creatures in their habitat almost every day this past summer is something I will forever be grateful for.
The Brooks family helped my dreams come true
This internship prepared me for the next step in my career, whether that be graduate school, a full-time position or another seasonal job. I am so grateful for this experience and all the wonderful people I have had the privilege to work with. The team at TU has been incredibly kind and welcoming, and I have formed genuine friendships with my coworkers that I hope will last a long time.
Everyone from PFBC and the County Conservation Districts were wonderful, and I am so grateful for the opportunities to work with them. I also want to express my immense gratitude to the Brooks family, who graciously chose me as the recipient of the Jeremy Brooks Memorial Internship. This opportunity has been one that I will hold close for the rest of my life. I am excited to continue my career in ecology and conservation, and I hope to stay connected to TU in the future.
From Lock Haven, Pa., Lydia Haulman received a B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Science from Commonwealth University, Lock Haven, with a minor in Studio Art. She enjoys hiking, camping, crocheting, and making a positive impact in her community.