IIC Intern at SUU Designed New Junior Ranger Booklet for Dixie National Forest
Published: August 09, 2024 | Author: Kierstin Holloway | Read Time: 2 minutes
Allison Berger, a recent graphic design graduate from Southern Utah University, completed an Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC) internship by designing a new booklet for the Dixie National Forest Jr. Ranger program. The booklet will be available in the forest visitor centers this September.
“This new, first-of-its-kind, Jr. Ranger booklet will help to educate local youth, visitors to our forest, and future public land leaders of America,” said Daniel Strand, partnership coordinator for the Dixie National Forest.
When looking into the education program, forest personnel realized the Jr. Ranger program for the forest service was outdated. They saw the opportunity to connect with youth by creating something with a fresh new look personalized to the Dixie National Forest.
After seeing this need, Strand reached out to the IIC at SUU. They were able to connect him to Berger, who at the time was a senior graphic design student, to do the design work for this new project.
“The Dixie National Forest’s partnership with SUU and the IIC is one of our most valuable and crucial,” said Strand. “Without the local talent pool of students, commitment from the University, and community support, our forest would not be what it is today. We rely on this partnership on many levels with many different positions. We would not be able to complete the amount of work that we do if it were not for SUU.”
Berger worked with both Strand and Shannon Eberhard, assistant director of Outdoor Pathways, and the IIC on the project. Through them, Berger was able to receive support and ensure that the new design had accurate information.
“I’m proud of the whole thing,” said Berger. “To me, it’s incredible that we’ve reached the finish line — when I say that, I mean because of how the booklet has really come together. I’m so proud of the design and all the activities Shannon, Danny, and myself put together; it’s really awesome to see it as a physical product.”
“I am proud of this project, and even more proud of Allison! Not only did she do a beautiful job in her graphic design, she also pushed her skills to the limit by creating the artwork seen throughout this book,” said Eberhard. “Professional experiences like this, combined with stewardship of our wild and scenic landscapes are exactly what the IIC is meant to offer.”
The IIC is a partnership between SUU and various land management agencies, outdoor recreation businesses, foundations, nonprofits, and Native American tribes. This partnership develops challenging internship opportunities for students to complement their academic pursuits and help prepare them for successful careers.
To learn more about the program please visit the IIC website.
Tags: Student Life Community Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative SUU Outdoors
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
4355865400
brookeheath1@suu.edu