Joshua Tree Residential Education Experience (JTREE) continues to make progress in the establishment of a residential youth-oriented outdoor education camp in Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). Most recently, JTREE had the opportunity to take on two university interns to assist on a variety of tasks.
As a Yucca Valley native, Intern Aubrey Diehl comes to JTREE with a passion to protect the California Desert, including a strong interest in helping others discover and learn about the region’s unique ecology, vulnerabilities, and scenic beauty. As a student at Western Washington University, Aubrey’s major is in Recreation Management and Leadership with an emphasis in Community. Additionally, she served seven years active duty in the US Navy and continue to serve as a reserve today. She is applying her expertise to help JTREE with a number of critical tasks including outlining the foundational education curriculum, evaluating fundraising and donor management systems, and establishing employee management controls, which will include employee orientation, staff compensation strategies, and executive and educator duties and responsibilities.
Paula Dashiell, JTREE Board Secretary, commented, “Aubrey quickly acquainted herself with JTREE’s mission and immersed herself in the tasks JTREE identified for her. Her skills and organizational abilities have already been proven to be of great value in moving the organization forward on its goals. Her enthusiasm and can-do attitude are energizing for all of us.”
Having been a student ranger for JTNP where her passion for the environment was ignited, Aubrey says that after graduation she plans to work with local communities and surrounding environments to cultivate and foster a deeper, healthier connection to the outdoors.
Intern Rachel Wilkins is a senior graduating student at Redlands University where she is double majoring in Global Business and Environmental Studies. Rachel serves as Vice President of student body and is an active trip leader at her school planning trips such as hiking, surfing, climbing, and backpacking. Rachel comments, “I love helping my peers get outdoors. It gives me the opportunity to advocate for the protection of our public lands.” With her unique global business and ecological perspective, Rachel is working closely with JTREE to advance the organization’s Business Plan. The Business Plan provides a deep dive into the organization’s business strategy, capital and operational phasing, and revenue and expense analyses. Most recently, congratulations go out to Rachel as University of Redlands announced her achievement of the Taylor Family Community Service Award.
The work that Rachel and Aubrey are completing will allow the young non-profit organization, JTREE, to take a significant step forward in each program area.
