Internship Program at Morris Arboretum
Horticulture
Description
The Horticulture Intern receives hands-on training in all phases of garden development and care of the living collection. Specific emphasis is placed on refining practical horticultural skills. Supervisory skills are developed by directing the activities of volunteers and part-time staff. Other activities include developing integrated pest management (IPM) skills, arboriculture techniques, and the operation and maintenance of garden machinery. Special projects will be assigned to develop individual skills in garden planning and management.
Caitlyn Rodriguez
2019-20 Alice & Liddon Pennock, Jr. Endowed Horticulture Intern
Duties and Responsibilities
- Learn to properly identify weeds and implement control methods
- Demonstrate pruning skills using CODIT philosophy and assist in formative pruning of the Arboretum's plant collection
- Demonstrate knowledge of proper pesticide use--handling, mixing, applying and clean up of pesticide equipment
- Take part in watering plants and containers on a rotating weekend schedule
- Learn practical nursery digging concepts, proper planting techniques and turf care basics
- Answer visitor questions about plants and culture
- Participate in the Horticulture Department's project days once a month
- Help with snow removal
- Learn to operate the following garden machinery:
Small Equipment Operation - push mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, snow thrower
Large Equipment Operation - golf cart, riding mower, backhoe, tractor, dump truck
Arborist Equipment Operation - chainsaw, chipper
- Complete an independent study project under the direction of your supervisor
- Enroll in and complete two academic courses at Penn: LARP755 (Fall) and LARP756 (Spring)
- Participate in intern sessions as scheduled (typically weekly outside of academic year)
- Perform additional duties as requested
Qualifications/Requirements
- A strong academic background in horticulture or closely related field
- Be able and willing to communicate with Arboretum visitors
- Be able and willing to work independently and as part of a team
- Be able and willing to work in all weather conditions
- Be able and willing to lift at least 25lbs
- A valid driver's license is required
Work Environment
The horticulture internship is a hands-on program that assists in the care of maintenance of the Arboretum's extensive collection of accessioned plants. The horticulture intern assists in the management of various specialty gardens throughout the Arboretum. He or she rotates through all areas of the garden as workload and individual interests dictate. The intern also assists in the management and coordination of the Horticultural Volunteer group.
Past Project Topics
- Landscape Design for the Front of Gates Hall
- Native Plant List Suitable for the Wetland at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
- Magnolias at the Morris Arboretum Plant Collections
- Introduction: A Story Worth Telling - New Interpretive Signs at the Morris Arboretum
Click here to read the 2011-2012 Horticulture Intern Report.
Click here to read the 2010-2011 Horticulture Intern Report.
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