We are excited to welcome our 2025 interns, who join us for a term from April through early October. They work on a variety of projects, from conservation plans and technical work in the office to site visits and invasives removal in our district. Welcome to the team, James and Pavlina! They each shared a bit about themselves to introduce themselves to the community:
James Tracy (above left) joins us as our field conservation intern. James was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and loves spending time appreciating the unique and diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. He is currently a student at Portland State University (PSU), studying Biology and pursuing a certificate in Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge (ITECK). Their academic and personal interests include plant ecology, ethnobotany, and habitat restoration, especially through the lens of ITECK. James conducts research on mosses from both the Pacific Northwest and Antarctica in the Eppley Lab at PSU, where he continues to deepen his understanding of plant and soil systems. They are also an active member of the PSU Plant Science Club and enjoy
volunteering on restoration projects alongside fellow ITECK students and community partners. As an intern with West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, James is excited to get more experience working in the field and supporting efforts to connect more people with healthy, thriving habitats.
Pavlina Slezak (above right) joins us as our GIS & field conservation intern. Pavlina studied biology and environmental science at Occidental College. She has worked at an environmental nonprofit mapping wetlands, as a gardener, and as a botany technician. Pavlina is looking forward to applying both her botany and GIS interests to projects in the Portland area, where she grew up, and is especially excited to help with soil restoration and management in the District’s agricultural areas.
