Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) undergraduate student Anna Warren spent her summer working with the Florida Forest Service (FFS) in Bay and Walton counties. The agency, part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages state forests while also providing forest management assistance on private and community lands. The FFS is responsible for prescribed burns and wildfire response, which gave Warren a close look at the wide range of work that supports healthy forests across the region.
For the first half of her internship, Warren shadowed CFWE alumnus Austin Sparks, forester for Point Washington State Forest. She assisted Sparks with forest inventory fieldwork that included tracking diameter at breast height (DBH), total height, crown ratio and species density across plots within planted longleaf and mixed hardwood stands. She also observed how government agencies collaborate with private companies to manage forests through contracted projects like forest mulching and invasive species removal. Part of her time was also spent with a county forester meeting private landowners and observing how management decisions are shaped by their goals and local conditions.
“Working with amazing people who encouraged me to experience as many different sections as possible of the FFS was very meaningful,” Warren said. “I felt that I was able to gain valuable experiences that relate to both my Geospatial Information Science (GSIS) and Environmental Conservation and Management (ENVC) majors.”
The second half of her internship focused on geospatial technologies, working with ArcGIS, a geographic information systems (GIS) software and a drone to generate maps for the Chipola River District. While participating in a drone day, Warren mapped a stand for thinning within the Pine Log State Forest. Using ArcGIS, she also created a map of Point Washington State Forest that included burn units and compartments, trails, campgrounds, roads and boundaries. The map will be displayed in the Point Washington office for visitors and employees to use.
“I used many skills I have gained through my time in the CFWE this summer,” Warren said. “Having a background in both fieldwork and GIS allowed me to work in many different areas and contribute to various projects.”
The combination of hands‑on field skills and technical mapping experience bolstered her excitement as a GSIS and ENVC double major. This opportunity prepared Warren to contribute in both field and GIS settings, while her academic background enabled her to work across multiple disciplines and understand how data collection and spatial analysis support forest management decisions.
“This internship has shown me what kind of work environment I would like to experience as well as finding a career that encourages both aspects of my majors,” Warren said.
Warren’s summer with the FFS strengthened her professional confidence and allowed her to gain a stronger vision of a potential career path that would enable her to pursue her interests in applied field work and geospatial data analysis. The internship not only advanced Warren’s professional growth but also offered a transformative learning opportunity that will influence her future for years to come.
