From Fieldwork to Future Environmental Law: An Internship Rooted in Conservation

by Marlee Rainey, Experiential Scholars Program (ESP) intern - July 2, 2026

Before this internship, I never imagined I’d spend my summer collecting water samples, building monitoring equipment, and spending entire days in the field—but that’s exactly what has made this experience so rewarding. On my first day of orientation, I didn’t know what to expect. As an agricultural business major on the pre-law track, a water and soil conservation internship felt intimidating. During my first meeting with my mentors, I learned that much of our work would take place in the field, including taking gas, sediment, and water samples and helping construct monitoring structures. Although I was ready to embrace any challenge, I definitely had some reservations about working outdoors around wildlife and becoming comfortable with the unknown. I chose this program because I plan to become an environmental lawyer and wanted exposure to the way rules and regulations are practically followed on the ground. This internship has been an invaluable part of my journey, giving me practical conservation experience while allowing me to build meaningful connections.

One of my biggest concerns was working outdoors around wildlife. Ironically, that has become one of my favorite parts. I have had the opportunity to be completely immersed in nature and gain a deeper appreciation for it. I am always taking pictures of cool insects, animals, and flowers that I come across. While I enjoy exploring Arkansas’ beauty, there are some hard days. One of those days was flume building day. We spent the day in the sweltering heat measuring and cutting wood, drilling pieces together, and even mixing and pouring concrete. This was an all-day task that required demanding physical labor. Although it was difficult, I was so proud of the finished product and being able to make a difference in the program.  

My project has been developing an interactive curriculum for 4-H youth that teaches water monitoring in an open channel stream. Building on work completed by the first cohort of ESP interns, I have been measuring the stream and developing educational activities that will allow students to analyze water quality themselves while learning about the importance of protecting natural resources.  
 
So, while this internship is not what I expected, it has caused me to grow in ways that I never imagined. I learned so much in such a short time and have been able to make a tangible contribution to not only the program but the community as well. This experience has strengthened my passion for protecting natural resources and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in environmental law. I also know all the tips and tricks for avoiding ticks, used enough bug spray to last a lifetime, and now know more about snakes than I ever expected.