uc davis students participating in the sustainable horticulture internship

CCUH SmartLandscape

CCUH SmartLandscape 

Now recruiting Spring 2024 interns!

Apply by March 25, 2024

SmartLandscape interns will work together to reach the ultimate goal of the SmartLandscape program: to reduce water and fertilizer use in urban landscaping while maintaining aesthetic and ecological value to the community. We will meet once a week, on Tuesdays, from 9 am to 12 pm during Spring Quarter.

As part of this internship, we will be focusing on continuing our new project, SmartScape IV, which will include the planting of native/drought tolerant vegetation, garden maintenance, and much more! By the end of the project, we will have a garden that compares the performance of point source emitters and inline drip irrigation. Together, we will create a new model for water efficiency across campus! In addition to SmartScape IV, we will teach you important aspects of water efficient landscapes and introduce you to irrigation technology and water-use ordinances.

SmartLandscape presents an exciting opportunity for students, as the majority of the installations are led and implemented by student intern teams. Interns are exposed to hands-on-experience, leadership experience, as well as the opportunity to work directly with industry professionals, faculty and staff. No experience in horticulture or irrigation required, all students are welcome to apply!

Apply now

Interns will learn practical horticultural skills and expand their knowledge of vegetation management through participation in planting and irrigation activities. Students will gain a greater understanding of landscape water-saving strategies, get hands on experience in restoring native habitat, learn to identify native and invasive plants and wildlife, and support research and community education. Students will be encouraged and mentored to approach landscape ecology from both humanistic and biological contexts with consideration for aesthetics, function, and ecological needs of the landscape and its wildlife. Students will also build teamwork and leadership skills through trainings, in-the-field problem solving and co-creation.

Staff Mentors

Image of Emily Finch, CCUH project manager.

Emily Finch  |  Email
Project Manager
CCUH

 Image of Haven Kiers, assistant professor of landscape architecture at UC Davis

Haven Kiers |  Email
Assistant Professor
Landscape Architecture

Working with SmartScape staff mentors and fellow student coordinators, interns will support the installation of a variety of water-wise gardens, including a Pollinator Study Garden and Native Plant Hedgerow as part of the California Center for Urban Horticulture's (CCUH) SmartLandscape initiative. These projects will be displayed on campus at the Western Center for Agricultural Equipment as exhibits to industry partners and local communities to demonstrate water conservation and sustainable landscape design.

Quarters: Fall, Winter and/or Spring (students are encouraged to participate for more than one quarter)

Interns

Schedule: 3 hours/week 
Units: 1 unit/quarter