Thank you to our 2026 Wilderness Ranger Interns!
Jimmy Ponicki Rory Rockwood
Thanks to your generous donations, ESWA once again was able to fund two US Forest Service Trails/Wilderness interns on the Dillon and Eagle-Holy Cross Districts. The cost to ESWA of a 20-week internship is less than $25,000, and includes a modest housing allowance. These interns are important team members who contribute significantly to the care of our White River National Forest, and are great ambassadors for Wilderness. They often accompany ESWA volunteers on our multi-day backcountry work trips, working side by side with us to preserve our Wilderness trails. We would love to tell you more about this summer’s wonderful interns – Jimmy and Rory:
Jimmy Ponicki is originally from Chicago, and is currently studying Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University and minoring in Geospatial Information Science (GIS). Jimmy spent 14 weeks with the Wilderness crew on the Eagle-Holy Cross district, and enjoyed being a part of the tight-knit crew and all the scenic views. He felt the work on the Forest was particularly rewarding, with his favorite accomplishment being the overnight trip to fully clear Martin Creek Trail (first time in years!). Jimmy took some incredible photographs this summer; check out his favorite below and others on his instagram @jimmypons24. Thank you Jimmy!
Rory Rockwood is from Virginia, and recently graduated from James Madison University where she studied Business Management. Rory previously worked on the Dillon Ranger District as a member of RMYC’s Conservation Corps crew. She returned to the DRD this summer for 20 weeks, during which she completed a variety of projects in the Wilderness including crosscutting and bridge building. Her favorite project was the Wilderness bridge construction on Meadow Creek because she was able to teach the crew how to catch cutthroat trout during their breaks! She also enjoyed joining ESWA for the llama work trip to Eaglesmere. Rory is grateful to have been able to return to the DRD and get to experience another season helping preserve Wilderness! Thank you Rory!
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