Summer Intern Needed to Study Wild Rice The Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary is seeking a university student (junior or senior level) to spend the summer working as an intern on a study of life history traits of wild rice (Zizania aquatica). The Sanctuary is located in Lothian, Maryland, about 15 miles east of Washington, D.C. The Sanctuary is a 1,400-acre nature preserve and environmental education center on the tidal Patuxent River, and we are a member of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. To learn more about the Sanctuary, visit www.jugbay.org
One of the largest stands of Wild Rice on the east coast grows in Jug Bay's tidal freshwater marshes along the Patuxent River in Maryland. Wild Rice has great value as a seed source for migrating waterbirds and songbirds. Little is known about the growth requirements of this tall annual plant nor do we understand the environmental factors that control its distribution. This research project will investigate the ecology and life history of Wild Rice, including its spatial distribution, biomass, growth patterns, occurrence with other emergent species, and physical/chemical characteristics of the soil and water where it grows. The intern will study these topics and will also map the distribution of rice stands in the mid-Patuxent River. The intern works five full days a week and occasional weekend days. Applicants must be physically fit, able to walk in wetlands wearing hip waders, and paddle a canoe or kayak. Ability to operate a small motorboat desired. A stipend of $3,600 is provided to the intern. Dormitory accommodations are available for $300 per month. The intern must have reliable transportation, as housing is 15 miles away from the Sanctuary. The project starts on May 15 and concludes on August 15, 2006. To apply, please send your resume, the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references, a copy of your transcripts (need not be official copies) and a letter of intent. In your letter of intent please tell us about yourself, why you are interested in ecology, what relevant experience you might bring to the project and what your career goals are. Deadline for receipt of applications is May 7. Please send application information to Sanctuary Naturalist, Elaine Friebele, at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or by mail to: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary 1361 Wrighton Road Lothian, MD 20711
