Summer for college students is a time for rest, relaxation, and lazy days by the pool. It is a time free of research papers, finals, and 8 a.m. wake up calls, right? Not for University of Kentucky Sophomore Sam Stromberg who is one of the Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s bright interns volunteering in the parks with our crew this summer.
Born in Ohio, Sam moved to Louisville when he was just a year old and has been here ever since. During school breaks he lives in his family’s Highlands home with his three brothers (one of which is an identical twin!), parents, and dogs. At the University of Kentucky Sam plans on majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Economics.
The intern position was listed on website and sparked Sam’s interest, although at the time he didn’t have a full understanding of the work of Olmsted Parks Conservancy. He was thrilled to find an internship that really matched his interests and studies where he can learn a lot and have fun too! “I never really understood why invasive plants were imperative to manage, but I’ve learned now and it’s really cool. A lot of people don’t realize how damaging those plants can be to an ecosystem,” says Sam.
Sam is no stranger to the Olmsted Parks and has grown up enjoying them with his family and friends. “I’ve had awesome times hanging out on Big Rock. We play tennis or basketball on the Seneca courts several times a week, ride a ton of trails, and over the years have watched hundreds of fireflies flashing around in the park woods. I absolutely love those parks,” Sam says.
Sam wishes others knew how easy it is to volunteer and how much help it can be. “At the end of the day I am tired and sweaty, but there is definitely a huge sense of satisfaction.”
Thanks Sam for all of your hard work and dedication to the parks. Good luck with your studies!
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