Meet our 2025 Summer Interns!
Get to know our Summer interns, Nolan Audyatis and Matthew Desruisseaux…
NOLAN:
Where are you from and what are you studying (or passionate about)? I am from Sandwich Massachusetts and I am currently studying Natural Resource Conservation with a concentration in Wildlife Ecology at UMass Amherst.
What inspired you to apply for an internship at Orenda? I am passionate about everything to do with wildlife, and Orenda presented an opportunity to work hands-on with these incredible Diamondback Terrapins! Being able to learn about how a conservation organization operates and being a part of that was a lesson I was eager to learn. Additionally, doing conservation work locally was a prospect that excited me. Having grown up on the cape, it has been great to feel like I am making an impact in my community.
What has been your favorite part of your internship so far? I have been fortunate enough to be able to work alongside all of my amazing colleagues here who all bring something valuable to the table. And who have supported me throughout this journey. If I had to choose my favorite part of this internship so far, I would have to say when I was able to see my first Terrapin in person! I was lucky enough to have three terrapins come to the garden at the same time and was able to watch them all nest! It was an extremely rewarding feeling to be able to see all of the prep and hard work pay off right in front of me.
What’s something new you’ve learned about land conservation or wildlife protection? A big takeaway for me has been the fact that conservation work can often throw you curveballs and you have to be able to adapt. There have been countless times this summer where my colleagues and I have had a problem presented and we have had to try a few different angles to solve it. But this collaboration has been rewarding. Its a skill I wasn’t necessarily considering when I thought about this field of work but one that I am looking forward to improving upon.
Have you had a moment in nature during your time here that really stuck with you? During a tour of one of our sanctuaries with my fellow intern Matt and our amazing land steward Lynn, we came across a large pond. Matt pointed out a tree in the distance and we were lucky enough to see roughly 10 egrets resting in one tree! Egrets are a large white bird (similar to a heron). The still water and the gorgeous birds made for a peaceful scene that I was able to enjoy and appreciate with people who were just as passionate about wildlife as I am. It was certainly a moment I will remember for a while.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? I am not the biggest fan of bugs… I would love to say I am not squeamish with any form of wildlife, but that would just be untrue. Bugs sort of freak me out. Its something I’m working on and has gotten better, especially because I will hopefully be spending a lot of time outside in my career!
What advice would you give to future interns? Be a sponge and ask questions. You will have the chance to work with some very knowledgeable people who are truly focused on your growth. I must have asked hundreds of questions this summer and they have all been answered quickly and with care. You will get out of this internship just as much as you put in so use all the resources at your disposal and have fun! Also…bring sunscreen.
MATTHEW:
Where are you from and what are you studying (or passionate about)? I am from Cotuit, MA and I am studying wildlife ecology and minoring in criminal justice at the University of Maine.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you? I am planning on becoming a state game warden somewhere in New England.
On the Internship Experience:
What has been your favorite part of your internship so far? I love watching over the turtle sanctuary and seeing the progress of the turtles nesting season.
How has this experience changed or influenced your perspective on the environment? It has shown me a different side of wildlife conservation that focuses solely on keeping habitats relatively untouched.
Why do you think Orenda’s work is important? I think it’s important to foster environments where mankind’s impact is minimal. It ensures that wildlife can live with as little outside pressure or influences as possible.
Have you had a moment in nature during your time here that really stuck with you? Watching a doe and fawn on the marshes.
Favorite animal and why? Elk because if it’s bugle.