This spring, River Legacy Nature Center is excited to welcome a new intern whose passion for wildlife and hands-on learning aligns perfectly with our mission of nature education, recreation, and preservation. 

Beginning January 2026, Chevi Bustos will join our Naturalist Department as an AISD practicum intern, bringing curiosity, dedication, and a strong academic foundation in wildlife management.

Chevi is currently pursuing a degree in Wildlife Management and will be with us throughout the spring semester. Her internship is designed to provide real-world experience in a professional environmental education and conservation setting, bridging classroom learning with practical field application. This partnership with the AISD Dan Dipert Career & Technology Center reflects River Legacy Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of conservation professionals.

During her time at River Legacy Nature Center, Chevi will be immersed in a wide range of projects and skill-building opportunities that touch nearly every aspect of our naturalist work. A significant portion of her internship will focus on animal husbandry, where she will learn both introductory and advanced concepts related to the daily care, health, and welfare of our ambassador animals. These experiences are foundational for anyone pursuing a career in wildlife management and will give Chevi valuable insight into ethical animal care practices.

Chevi will also participate in Stream Team water quality testing, gaining hands-on experience with environmental monitoring and data collection in our local ecosystems. In addition, she will be introduced to habitat assessments and upcoming research initiatives, helping her understand how field data informs conservation decisions and land management practices. Select training will include exposure to dangerous animal handling, relocation, and husbandry techniques – always conducted under close supervision and with safety as the top priority.

Beyond fieldwork and animal care, Chevi’s internship will include outreach opportunities that support River Legacy Foudation’s educational mission. Whether assisting with programs, observing public engagement, or supporting behind-the-scenes preparation, she will gain a well-rounded view of how environmental education connects people to nature in meaningful ways.

Chevi will be directly supervised by River Legacy’s Naturalist Supervisor, with academic oversight provided by the Practicum and School Instructor at the AISD Dan Dipert Career & Technology Center. As with many immersive internships, there may be opportunities for Chevi to work with staff across departments on specific days. Any additional involvement will be coordinated in advance, with clear expectations and guidance.

We are thrilled to have Chevi joining the River Legacy team this spring and look forward to supporting her growth as she develops the skills, confidence, and professional experience needed for a future in wildlife conservation. 

Please join us in welcoming her – we’re excited to see the impact this internship will have on both Chevi and our organization. •