Name: Ellen Valliere
Class Year: 2027
Major: German Studies
Minor: International Studies
 
Internship Organization: UNSECO Biosphärengebiet Schwarzwald
Internship Title:   Public Relations Intern
Location: Schönau im Schwarzwald, Germany
 
What’s happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!  

The UNESCO Black Forest Biosphere Reserve works to preserve the unique cultural and natural environment in Southwest Germany by encouraging collaborative relationships and exchange between conservationists, farmers, local businesses and educators alike. My role involves maintaining the team’s social media (@biosphaerengebiet_schwarzwald) and supporting community outreach through educational events, research projects, and regional tours. Working in public relations provides insight into each of the Biosphere Reserve’s interwoven departments: 

• Land Use 

• Nature conservation, Landscape Care, Research, and Monitoring 

• Regional Development, Tourism, and Economy  

• Education, Society, Culture, and Social  

The Biosphere’s team works alongside the local community to further the interests and efforts described by each department. Environmental sustainability is at the forefront of all the Biosphere Reserve’s projects, especially with drought, floods, heat waves and other effects of climate change already evident in the region.

Why did you apply for this internship?  

I found the internship at Biosphaerengebiet Schwarzwald through Dr. Margaret Strair in the bi-co German Department and Innovation Academy in Freiburg – an independent non-profit offering sustainability-based education in the region. I pursued the opportunity, in the interest of practicing German and supporting global climate justice. Also, so I could spend the summer outside, surrounded by gorgeous nature!

What has been your favorite part of this internship?
 
 One highlight I witnessed was the opening of a modern forest pasture in June, where 150 goats were brought to graze in a section of dense forest for three days. Forest grazing was a traditional Black Forest farming practice for centuries before being banned in the 19th century for its toll on the land. However, when practiced in moderation the goats help clear invasive plants, allowing more space and light into the forest. This greatly benefits the species diversity of native insects, flora, and fauna. By integrating the knowledge of both environmentalists and farmers, the Biosphere Reserve and the local town of Utzenfeld have been able to renew the tradition — it was beautiful to see all the happy goats!

What is most rewarding about your internship?  

It’s been super rewarding to feel my German improve week by week, especially the moments when I realize I’m able to converse and express myself more naturally! Hiking through the woods to and from work everyday has been similarly rewarding, as it too gets a bit easier each time. Overall, I am inspired by the widely shared commitment to caring for the land here in the Black Forest – ensuring that a mosaic of forest, meadows, pastures and villages over 1000 years old may live and grow together long into the future.