www.mianus.org
167 Mianus River Road Bedford, NY 10506
914-234-3455
MRGP Wildlife Technician Program
Dear Student,
For my entire life I have been fascinated with wild animals and the outdoors, and
I always was drawn to the idea of a career “with nature.” However, I had little idea what
that would mean specifically, or what avenues I could take in school that would help me
get to a career working with and studying animals and natural systems. In short, I didn’t
know what opportunities were available and, frankly, neither did my parents, teachers,
and guidance counselors.
If you find yourself toying with the idea of an environmental career, I encourage
you to consider joining our Wildlife Technician Program (WTP). Each year, the Mianus
River Gorge accepts three high school students chosen from throughout the county and
NYC to work at our preserve on ecological problems facing suburban and urban
ecosystems. Forests that once stretched relatively uninterrupted throughout our region
are now relegated to small fragments. What changes once the forest becomes an island
in a sea of human development? What can conservationists and managers do to
protect the integrity of these areas and protect its wild inhabitants?
As a Wildlife Tech at the MRGP, you will work closely with staff wildlife ecologists
and graduate students to complete a multi-year research project aimed at a real-world
problem. Not only will you learn to think creatively, but you will be exposed to the same
techniques that are used by field biologists throughout the world. In addition, our
student projects have been recognized in both state and national competitions. Some of
our students have also been published in scientific journals.
Over the past three years, we have initiated several new and exciting projects.
We plan to add a few new ones this year for our incoming class. Check out our website
and Facebook page to learn more.
Sincerely,
Chris Nagy, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Land Management
www.mianus.org
167 Mianus River Road Bedford, NY 10506
914-234-3455
MRGP Wildlife Technician Program
Application Deadline: November 1, 2014
Program Description
The Mianus River Gorge Preserve Wildlife Technician Program (WTP) provides research
opportunities to high school students in the fields of ecology, conservation biology, and
land management.
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Wildlife Technicians (Techs) assist on various research projects while concentrating on
designing and conducting their own multi-year study.
Techs are mentored by MRGP staff and / or graduate students where they are exposed to
experimental design and field techniques through non-traditional, hands-on experience.
Techs receive additional experience in wildlife ecology by assisting with graduate-level
projects being conducted at the Gorge.
Applicant Eligibility
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High school sophomores enrolled in a multi-year research course.
No GPA requirements.
No work experience required.
An interest in working in the sciences in an outdoor setting.
Program Benefits
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Students will be exposed to a several fields of study and will learn the different ways
scientists conduct research.
Students are encouraged to submit their findings to conferences and scholarly publications.
Third year techs will hone their leadership skills by working as Field Leaders and will help
teach incoming students the techniques they have learned.
Through their research, students will contribute to the better understanding of how we
manage suburban wildlife preserves. Their results will be applicable to preserves throughout
the country.
Upcoming Research Opportunities in 2015
 Developing seed-collection and planting methods to restore native wildflowers from wild
populations.
 Testing innovative strategies for controlling invasive species.
 Nesting success of box turtles.
 Students with their own ecology-related research interests are encouraged to apply.
All information and applications are available at www.mianus.org. Completed
applications can be mailed to MRGP or e-mailed to research@mianus.org. If you have
any questions, please call us (914-234-3455) or send us an email (research@mianus.org).
www.mianus.org
167 Mianus River Road Bedford, NY 10506
914-234-3455
MRGP Wildlife Technician Program
Application
Deadline: November 1, 2014
Student Name:
High school:
Home Address
E-mail:
Phone:
Supervising Teacher:
Phone:
E-mail:
Fax:
Student Work Experience (Please list all paid work, internships, and volunteer positions)
Position
Dates
Duties or Responsibilities
1 .Student Essay: If you could study anything in the world, what would it be? In a short essay
(approx. 500 words) describe the scientific study of your dreams. What plant, animal, fungi, or
ecosystem would you most like to study? Why are you interested in this creature or ecosystem?
What do you want to find out about it? How would you design your study to learn more? What
challenges would you face? Be creative.
All essays must be typed. Attach essay to application.
2. Attach 1 letter of recommendation
Student Signature:
Date:
Supervising Teacher Signature:
Date: