Botanic Garden at Smith College, Academics

Botanic Garden
Summer Internship Projects

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Improvements to Botanic Garden’s Index Seminum (2006) Stephanie Jones AC ‘08

Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Review and “renovate” our system of seed exchange with other Botanic Gardens and Arboreta. Summarize previous requests and make recommendations for species to offer or eliminate; inventory catalogs from other institutions; review catalog mailing list; collect and process seeds.

Landscape Sustainability Proposal (2006)
Jamie Duncan AC ‘07

Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

In conjunction with ongoing Strategic Planning initiative, develop two-page proposal of Action Steps to be taken to reaffirm and preserve the botanical and aesthetic resources of the Smith campus. Reevaluate Campus Master Plan of 1995 at its 10-year mark.

Evaluation and Action Plan for Lyman Pond Renovation (2006) Sophie Argetsinger ’07

Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Research and propose solution to aeration and invasive plant issues in Lyman Pond. Make proposals for dredging, mechanical filtration/aeration system, new plantings, fountains, fish, etc.

Tree Health/Hazard Survey (2006)
Mo Speller ’08

Funded by the B. Elizabeth Horner Fund for the Biological Sciences, Summer Science Undergraduate Fellowship Program

Design and implement survey tool evaluating health and maintenance status of all campus trees. Initiate process of devising five “tree zones” for use in five-year maintenance rotation to be implemented by Chief Arborist.

Identification, Removal, and Replacement of Invasive Species (2006-2007)
Rachael Cain ’08

Funded by the Margaret Walsh Grantham Fund for the Biological Sciences, Summer Science Undergraduate Fellowship Program

Identify, map, and where possible, remove invasive species on Smith campus based on species list provided by the state. Identify invasives in three categories: accessioned plants in the collection; invasives moving on to campus; and species that have escaped from campus. Update BgBase database to reflect invasive status and create before/after maps reflecting removals. Second year emphasis on mapping of volunteer populations, continued eradication of both accessioned individuals and volunteers, evaluation of eradication methods, and recommendations for replacement plantings where invasives have been removed.

Use of Paved Paths and Groundcovers to Reduce Foot Traffic and Garden Maintenance and Protect Important Specimens in the Botanic Garden Collection (2007)
Corey Eilhardt ’09

Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Identify areas of campus that need to be redesigned to strike a more effective balance between lawn maintenance, plant protection, and the legitimate demands of public use. Identification of high-traffic areas where walkers have worn paths through lawns or garden beds; proposals to remedy these problem areas; mapping and identification of existing groundcover plantings on campus; creation of a list of groundcover species, suitable for this climate and usage; identification of other suitable sites for groundcovers.

Designing Culture Through Habitat: Permaculture Forest Gardening (2007)
Alisha Mai Frank, Hampshire College ‘08
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Design, install, and prepare a long-term management strategy for an edible Forest Garden within the student Community Garden at Hampshire College. Summer work enriched and supported this Hampshire student’s Division-III Senior Thesis project.

Curriculum Materials for Elementary School Students Visiting the Botanic Garden (2007) Lesley Joplin ’09
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Develop, map, and produce a brochure detailing a self-guided (or parent-guided) tour of the Botanic Garden aimed at younger visitors.

Tree Health Survey System for Continued Maintenance of Large Campus Trees (2007)
Alex Julius ‘09
Funded by the Margaret Walsh Grantham Fund for the Biological Sciences,
Summer Science Undergraduate Fellowship Program

Building on the 2006 internship project of Mo Speller ’08, refine survey tool and continue to evaluate health and safety of campus trees. Devise a five-year, five-zone system for annual evaluation of large trees. Preliminary work to develop hazard evaluation protocol and improve accession and mapping data on campus trees.

Collection Review -- Warm Temperate House, Lyman Conservatory (2007)
Deh Koon Lim, UMass ‘07J
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Inventory and evaluate existing collection and propose changes to improve educational and collection value in Warm Temperate House of Lyman Conservatory.

Characterizing Leaf Variegation and Shoot Meristem Organization in Saintpaulia ionantha Using Plant Tissue Culture (2007)
Rachel Rock-Blake ‘09
Funded by the B. Elizabeth Horner Fund for the Biological Sciences,
Summer Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

Evaluate leaf patterns and their genetic or physiological origins in African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha). Continuation of research begun under the STRIDE program under the supervision of Botanic Garden Director Michael Marcotrigiano.

History of the Capen Garden (2007)
Janice Wilson AC ‘09
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Research and compile a complete history of the Capen Garden, from pre-Smith land use to the present day. Consolidate archival research, images, and past publications on the subject. Produce a brochure to be available at Lyman and at Capen Garden detailing the history, value, and resources offered in this often-underutilized space.

Outreach Materials for “Woods of the World” Installation at Lyman Plant House (2007)
Deborah Villamia AC ‘08J
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Research 150 species of wood from around the world in connection with the Fall 2007 installation of the “Woods of the World” permanent exhibit at Lyman Conservatory. Compile, write text and edit for use in printed outreach materials available to the public.

Botanic Garden Promotional Video (2007)
Dawna Sirard AC ‘09
Funded by the Friends of the Botanic Garden

Conceive, produce, and direct a brief introductory video about the Botanic Garden of Smith College, for use in Lyman reception area, speaking engagements, and on the Botanic Garden’s website.

A New Design for Lyman Pond Utilizing Native Wetland Plants (2008)
Sarah Allen ‘10
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Building on the internship work of Sophie Argetsinger in 2008, design a new shrub and perennial planting scheme for the shores of Lyman Pond. Invasive species, sedimentation, and aeration problems will be solved by mechanical means and create an opportunity for a renovated garden space. Develop a native plant list including site requirements and mature size, address issues of safety and public access, and produce a design for this highly visible landscape feature.

Declining Sugar Maples at Smith College (2008)
Meghan DeVries ’03, UMass Amherst ‘09
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Research and diagnostic analysis of pronounced Sugar Maple decline on Smith Campus. Symptoms included twig dieback, foliar chlorosis, premature leaf drop, and thinning canopies. Stressing factors may include nutrient deficiency, drought, soil compaction, even air pollution. Research protocol design, soil and foliar analysis, literature review. Statistical analysis and treatment recommendations to be pursued by Chief Arborist.

Ground Cover Plantings in the Botanic Garden: Collections Management (2008)
Emily Hale-Sills ‘11
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

A multi-faceted Collections Management project with three main goals: to piece together accession information on existing groundcover plantings, to accession new plantings, and to prepare a supply of groundcover for future use. Keep records of all new plantings and conduct historical/anecdotal research to trace accession data for numerous past plantings. Propagate trial populations of potential new groundcover species and construct nursery beds to raise groundcover plant materials in house.

Five-Year Tree Maintenance Plan and Tree Hazard Mapping Using
Global Information System (GIS) (2008)
Sarah Motti ‘10
Funded by the B. Elizabeth Horner Fund for the Biological Sciences,
Summer Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program

Use GIS, ArcMap, and BgBase software to create a “smart map” to manage hazard and health maintenance of campus trees. Use GIS to calculate “hazard scores” for trees based on age, proximity to buildings and pathways, known hazardous species, height, and visual inspection data. Continue mapping of campus trees using GPS software.

Procurement and Management of Digital Imagery for the
Botanic Garden’s Image Database (2008)
Tracy Murphy AC ‘09
Funded by the Friends of the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Support development of the Botanic Garden’s web-based image database by contributing over 1300 photographic images of plants and plant parts. Confirm identification and accession information with Botanic Garden staff. Manipulate images to conform to size and format protocols and upload to MySQL database.

Establishing a Native Tree Arboretum (2008)
Tobin Porter-Brown, Hampshire College‘09
Funded by the Botanic Garden of Smith College

Research and design a Native Tree Arboretum to replace an open grassy meadow on Smith property next to Paradise Pond. Develop species list including site requirements, flower and foliage features, mature size, and native range. Site analysis including soil character, elevation and drainage information. Evaluation of existing plant materials for removal/preservation. Slated for installation summer 2009.

Evaluation and Plan for the Future of the Smith College Lepidoptera Collection (2008)
Claire Nadeau ‘10
Funded by the B. Elizabeth Horner Fund for the Biological Sciences,
Summer Science Undergraduate Fellowship Program

Review and evaluate Smith’s historic collection of preserved butterflies for their potential as a teaching tool and web resource. Inventory of nearly 2500 specimens, some collected as early as 1890. Design digitalization protocol and sample web page for future development. Research on taxonomy, habitat, and conservation status.

Embodied Ideologies: The History of the Smith Landscape (2008)
Laura Putnam ‘10
Funded by the Mildred Milliken Kuhn Class of 1944 Fund

Background research on the evolution of the Smith landscape to underpin a “hyperlinked” essay to be written for the website of the Botanic Garden of Smith College. Analysis of the ways in which the physical characteristics of the campus relate to the social and cultural aspects of the school. Print and internet research as well as personal interviews with members of the Smith community.

Sustainable Green Roofs: Feasibility Analysis for Lyman Plant House (2008)
Elise J. Simons ‘09
Funded by the Mary Eddy Schlessinger Fund, SURF Fellowship Program

Background work in support of the development of an educational green roof for the front of the Lyman Plant House. Research green roof construction requirements, identify measuring equipment and display technology with which to educate visitors about green roofs, and search for potential funders.

Blanche Ames Ames: Artist, Botanist, Activist (2008)
Mariah Wyman ‘09J
Funded by the Gayle E. Moloney Garden Endowed Internship Fund

Research and compile dossier of information on Blanche Ames Ames (Smith Class of 1899), noted botanical illustrator and member of the prominent Oakes-Ames family, in preparation for a future exhibit of her work at the Church Exhibition Gallery of the Lyman Plant House. Prepare annotated bibliography, biographical sketch, and index of Ames’ work. Primary research conducted in the archives of the Ames Family Papers at the Sophia Smith Collection, and Borderland State Park (former home of the Ames Family, North Easton, MA).

For more information, see work-study and internship opportunities. Please download an application form, which is required of all applicants.
Contact person: Madelaine Zadik

For more details see the Internship Announcement.
To apply download an application form.