Salt and Stem, Where the Land Meets the Sea

Hi, my name is Miranda Mintonye, and I am a returning third-year student at Santa Rosa Junior College, majoring in Environmental Science with a focus on habitat restoration and invasive species removal. This summer, I had the immense privilege of being mentored by Luis Morales, the Land Steward at Bodega Marine Reserve.

Throughout the summer, I immersed myself in the beautifully biodiverse habitats that make up the Reserve, whether that be the dunes, grasslands, or salt marshes. I made a conscious effort to slow down and become familiar with the flora and fauna that call this place home. With my Canon EOS R100 and macro lens, I was able to capture small details of the Reserve that might otherwise go unnoticed. While some of my fellow interns spent much of their time in the laboratory, I had the opportunity to work in the field almost every day. That could include anything from hand-pulling invasive species, documenting wildlife, or simply taking the time to photograph the landscapes and organisms around me. 

My primary goal for this internship was to develop an intimate understanding of the unique ecosystems within this incredibly diverse region. My other two major goals were to learn the skills and strategies involved in coastal habitat restoration and how those practices evolved with the seasons, as well as field safety to make sure that everyone could work confidently and responsibly.

At first glance, hand-pulling weeds day after day seems a little monotonous and boring. However, for me and my ever curious eye, each day brought something new. There were unfamiliar insects to identify, new bird calls to listen for and document, and subtle changes in the landscape to notice. I spent a good portion of my time comparing my notes to the Reserve’s species lists that were available on the website. Because I often worked in slightly different areas each day, I was able to observe and document ecological differences between sites, even on a very small scale. Seeing a sweat bee in one location on one day did not guarantee that I would encounter it again. That unpredictability is what made the experience so meaningful. Each moment was a unique freeze frame in an ever-changing environment; one that I had the opportunity to observe, preserve, and transform into digital art.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the mentorship, patience, and encouragement I received throughout the summer. This internship allowed me to explore the intersection of science and creativity and bring those two worlds together in the form of a small illustrated journal. More than anything, it reminded me that science is not only about collecting data and understanding systems; it is also about curiosity, observation, and taking the time to appreciate the remarkable world we are fortunate enough to study.

About the Program: 

The SRJC-BML Internship Program provides summer research opportunities for Santa Rosa Junior College students at the Bodega Marine Laboratory.

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