Amanda Aulenbach conducts internship at Blue Marsh National Recreation Area

Amanda Aulenbach and  Bobber
the water safety dog at
Blue Marsh Lake.

Amanda Aulenbach,  a BS Biology major and Geography minor, conducted an internship at Blue Marsh Lake in Leesport, PA. Originally built by the Army Core of Engineers for flood control, Blue Marsh Lake is also a popular recreation area that is open 365 days a year and attracts 900,000 visitors annually. The  lake has 1,150 surface acres of water for swimming, boating, and fishing and 6,200 acres  of land containing hiking and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, and boat ramps. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District, the mission of Blue Marsh Lake is to promote water safety, to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and to conduct outreach activities related to the outdoors.

During her internship, Amanda's duties included trail maintenance, patrolling the grounds, beaches, and dams, assisting visitors, and checking water quality. To prepare for these duties, Amanda received training in first aid, CPR/AED, brush fire control, self-defense, defensive driving, pepper spray use, contacting emergency medical services, issuing warning citations, and boat safety.  Her water safety training included the proper use of kayaks and water rescue.  Amanda also participated in owl hikes and bat counts with the visitors. 

 Amanda's favorite part of her internship experience was how every week was different. There was always something new happening. In addition to learning new skills, she enjoyed working with the other interns and making connections with the rangers. Her absolute favorite experience  was helping to rescue a heron that was tangled in fishing line. After cutting the heron free, she wrapped it in a blanket and held it securely until the Red Creek Wildlife workers arrived to treat it for any cuts and bruises. This experience has led Amanda to consider a career helping animals, perhaps at a sanctuary. Dr. Thomas Klinger was Amanda's academic supervisor. 


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