CSCLS interns. (Submtted photo)

MARQUETE — Marquette-based environmental non-profit Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior has seen a successful first year of its Northern Michigan University internship program, according to a press release.

In March, CSCLS intern Mary Holohan brought an educational presentation to the NMU Conservation Crew. Holohan, a communications student, talked to the conservation crew about how to act as advocates for the environment.

Holohan remarked in their presentation: “The best way to protect land is to have indigenous and local people in control. This is because they have a shared vision, connection, and responsibility to the land.” Conservation Crew members said that the presentation made them feel like they knew how to “use your voice and be heard” when it comes to environmental advocacy.

The release states: “The support that we have received from the NMU community, from students to professors, has been essential to our mission. CSCLS is recognizing the real potential that NMU students have when encouraged to participate in Marquette’s local projects.

“Our interns aren’t just active on NMU’s campus — they’re out in the Marquette and Big Bay communities doing important work. You might find this summer educating the public at the farmers market, or up in Big Bay working on a sustainable beautification project.”

CSCLS has hired three communications and environmental science interns so far and plans to continue the program into the summer and beyond.