South Mountain Conservancy Forest Regeneration Internship

Kelly Zambrana

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.ENVIRSCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Cailin O'Connor

Abstract:

During the summer of 2025, I participated in a forest regeneration internship experience at the South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, New Jersey. The internship focused on the identification and removal of invasive plant species within a 14-acre deer exclosure with the purpose of restoring and preserving native species. The internship provided hands-on experience in the control of invasives through mechanical clearing and experimental chemical spray treatments. The experience strengthened my field identification and landscape management skills while improving my knowledge of ecological restoration. I developed a deeper understanding of the challenges of forest regeneration as well as best practices to support native plants and New Jersey forest ecosystems.