Kathrin is studying ecology with JCU and using the opportunity to gain a broad experience around all aspects of managing natural resources in the Tropics.

She's already dabbled in planting trees with school students, talking with farmers about pig management, developing a weed identification flyer, touring farms to explore sustainability initiatives in Tully, and taking part in planning activities in the Cassowary Coast and Mossman Daintree areas.

Image: Kathrin (fourth from right) listening to Mario Raccanello explain his sustainable cane farm management systems at Farmers' Day Out in Tully, 8 Dec 2011.

When asked what activity she enjoyed the most so far, Kathrin said, "I have enjoyed all of it, especially working with the kids.

"They asked many questions about the environment and ecosystem services. They are learning about the importance of the environment and what trees are doing for the planet."

Kathrin helped run a planting with Terrain's Barron Delta Project Officer, Sylvia Conway. Students from pre-school to grade 4 from Caravonica State School planted 300 trees behind the school grounds.

Sylvia said, "Kathrin helped with flagging trees and making sure the students were planting properly.

"It was a very hot day and we were both exhausted by the end. Kathrin is a hard worker and fast learner."

Kathrin also enjoyed the Shed Meeting as part of the pigs program which she thought was run really well. Terrain's Integrated Pig Management Program Coordinator, Kirsten McKimmie took Kathrin under her wing to organise the meeting in the Innisfail area. Kirsten said, "I'm looking forward to showing Kathrin the operational side of things when we go checking pig traps in the coming weeks."

Joining farmers from Gordonvale, Innisfail and Tully, Kathrin also went on a tour to look at sustainable cane farming practices. She had a firsthand look at hooded spray equipment to reduce drift and the amount of herbicide applied, spilt stool fertiliser boxes which place fertiliser underground and a direct drill bean planter that minimises soil disturbance. She also stopped and looked at a paddock-to-reef water monitoring site and a large riparian project to control the flow of water over a 17m drop across cane and grazing land.

"It's so far been a very interesting experience seeing different parts of Terrain's business," said Kathrin, "and the Terrain staff I have worked with so far have been great."

The coming weeks bring Kathrin a mix of water sampling, pig trapping, communications, Reef Rescue project support, nursery work and assisting with rolling out the Tree-rific Tuesdays on the Barron Delta Project.

The 'NRM North Queensland Style' promotion organiser Kathryn Dryden said, "Kathrin's willingness to run around the country-side and enthusiasm in any work thrown her way is refreshing to see..

"We are enjoying providing a meaningful experience for Kathrin and look forward to reporting back about what she gets out of it and where she's heading at the end of her paid working month."

Image: Kathrin