Spent summer at Garrison Institute, Audubon
Two high school students have completed summer internships arranged by the Philipstown Garden Club.
John Eng Wong, a senior at Haldane, worked with the Garrison Institute under the supervision of groundskeeper Paul Blacick. His typical day involved walking the trails to clear debris. He also worked in the enclosed garden.
Eng Wong, who plans to study psychology, said he spent many hours alone during his work, calling the experience as almost spiritual. “When there is no one around, you learn how to adapt,” he said. “I am glad that I now have the skill to work totally by myself and to be happy being with myself.”
Victoria Dema, a Fishkill resident and senior at the Poughkeepsie Day School, worked with the Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Constitution Marsh, with financial support from the Putnam Highlands Audubon Society and Masonic Lodge #236.
Dema, who has an interest in environmental studies and law, said she especially loved the wildflower garden and the “truly beautiful” Eastern Tiger Swallowtails.
The internship program is open to incoming high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen interested in horticulture and/or the environment. Applications are distributed in the spring. Other partners are Glynwood Farm, Manitoga and Stonecrop Gardens.
