My son, Aidan, graduated from Ohio Northern University on May 17 with a degree in Environmental & Field Biology, and he’s already putting that education to work. Last week, he headed to my hometown of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. to begin his summer internship as the Environmental Education Intern at Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve. His long-term goal is to help educate others about nature and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
Aidan’s love for animals and the natural world began at an early age and was nurtured through countless hours spent with his grandma. For more than 30 years, she volunteered at Woodland Dunes, and many of Aidan’s visits to Two Rivers included exploring nature, learning about wildlife, and sharing in her passion for conservation. Those experiences played a significant role in shaping his interest in environmental biology and ultimately led him toward a degree dedicated to protecting and teaching others about the natural world.
That’s what makes this opportunity especially meaningful. Aidan is now spending the summer interning at the very place that is such an important part of his grandma’s life. Having always loved visiting Two Rivers, he is thrilled to call it home for the summer while gaining hands-on experience in conservation and environmental education. It feels like a full-circle moment—one that honors the influence of his grandma while helping launch the career he has worked so hard to build.
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