The Everglades Cultural History Education Intern will work with the park’s Division of Resource Education and Interpretation, our archives program under the South Florida Collection Management Center and park scientist under the South Florida Natural Resource Center to research and develop curriculum about the area in the park identified as the “Hole in the Donut” (HID).  This area of the park, 6,300 acres, was historically farmland beyond the establishment of Everglades National Park in 1947. This unique situation presents opportunities for developing relevant activities for students where we can still see evidence today how history and science come together.  

Although restoration of the HID began in the mid 1980’s this is a new area for the park’s education program.  Using the park’s archives, the intern will use existing sources to collect stories and photographs from the farmers. Additionally, the intern could connect to the individuals from the current agriculture community just outside the boundaries of Everglades National Park.  These interactions could offer a deeper history to those of the original farming families.  The intern will research historic land use and then connect with our scientist to develop a better understanding of present day restoration and land use mitigation. The intern will help create curriculum materials that showcase our park’s rich history, help to develop an understanding of land use and the value of conservation in National Parks. The information will be used to begin to develop lesson plans for teachers, and will serve as a bank of information for future lessons. They will be paired with a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher who can help guide the lesson plan writing. 

Since Everglades National Park was set aside for its biodiversity, the intern will also receive substantial training to better understand the complexities of the park’s ecosystem. Additionally, he/she will be introduced to multiple aspects of park operations including working in a visitor center and conducting research field work. Providing visitors with information and sharing their own enthusiasm for our national park resources is a great way to learn about all the park has to offer. Ideally the intern will also develop a short interpretive talk or guided walk about the park’s resources.