Harris County Commissioner Precinct One will work with Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) to provide students with an opportunity to work with their forestry and horticultural teams, caring for the plants and trees across the county. Seasonal internships and research projects will be offered to a few undergraduate and graduate students to work with the department.

Recently, Precinct One’s Development and Infrastructure Director William Taylor and his team visited the Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Ranch and Farm to brainstorm about a partnership that incorporates our land grant mission areas (education, outreach, and discovery). The precinct also expressed interest in making use of the resources on the farm, including medicinal plants, greenhouse technology, and the International Goat  Research Center.

“This partnership has so many thrilling prospects,” CAHS Dean Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D., said. “It is my hope that the teams continue with the enthusiasm, camaraderie and momentum established during our virtual and face to face meetings.”

There also may be future visits, potentially from other Precinct areas to demonstrate some of our capabilities, expertise, and best practices to serve clientele in and around Houston. Similarly, our staff and faculty also will lend their expertise and serve as resources as needed.

Precinct One’s forestry team is responsible for tree maintenance across parks, right-aways, and removing fallen trees. The horticultural team manages plants in the facilities, landscaping, and managing the senior’s garden program. The team grows and cultivates green plants, flowers, and vegetables.

The initial internship will include one to two undergraduate or graduate students in good standing who are willing to work in Houston for an eight-week commitment with compensation. There also may be an opportunity for research projects guided by the forestry and horticulture teams. Some potential assignments for the interns may include developing seasonal and long-term programs to enhance the teams’ efforts across the county. The interns also will assist with the senior garden design and develop new community engagement programs.

Pascale Mondesir
Communication Specialist II
pamondesir@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5155