Steep Rock Association’s ten-week paid internship program immerses college and high school students in all aspects of our organizational operations. Our interns make a difference in our community, gain real-world skills in land conservation, sustainable agriculture and nonprofit management – and have fun in the process. Steep Rock’s interns offer valuable support that helps our land trust meet important goals.
Meet our 2022 Interns:
Judea Garden
Judea Garden Interns support our community-based agriculture program while learning about current food issues. Interns learn to identify and control insects and diseases, identify weeds and their properties, use succession harvesting through planting for fall crops, harvest and distribute foods, and participate in all garden tasks.
Special thanks to Washington Garden Club and the Washington Scholarship Fund for sponsoring these internships!
Annika Vikstrom (left): Sophomore at Middlebury College studying Biology and Geology.
Q: What has been the highlight of the internship?
A: Learning about wild edibles and playing a role in donating fresh produce to area food pantries.
Skylar King (right): Freshman at Hampshire College studying Creative Writing where he hopes to focus on Environmental Science.
Q: What has been the highlight of the internship?
A: Getting to know the community of volunteers and interns at Judea Garden.
Aidan – our Volunteer Summer Intern! Aidan is a rising junior at Bates College in Lewiston, ME where he studies Art History and Educational Studies.
Q: What has been the highlight of the internship?
A: There is nothing better than a place where people come together to help other people.
Conservation
Van Sinderen Conservation Interns help complete a wide variety of field-based projects, including wildlife habitat improvement, invasive species removal, biodiversity studies, trail maintenance and construction, campsite prep, visitor relations, and more. Sponsors: Special thanks to Yardscapes and the Washington Scholarship Fund for sponsoring these two internships!
Ava Britton (left): Junior at Arizona State University studying Conservation Biology.
Q: What has been highlight of the internship?
A: Wood turtle monitoring to identify and protect turtle nest sites and habitats.
Abby Farrell (right): Rising Senior at UMASS Amherst studying Environmental Science and Psychology with a focus on Wildlife Conservation.
Q: What has been the highlight of the internship?
A: Kestrel banding, which enables us to conduct research in collaboration with Audubon Connecticut that contributes to the conservation of this special concern species.
Administrative & Community Engagement
The Administrative Intern gains hands-on experience in office and non-profit administration, including researching and archiving records, fielding public inquiries and camping requests, editing SRA’s website, and designing flyers, newsletters, and other materials. Sponsors: Special thanks to the Washington Scholarship Fund for sponsoring this internship!
The Denise T. Community Engagement Intern focuses on multimedia development and outreach activities. Projects may include creating marketing and fundraising materials on Steep Rock’s preserves, our history, conservation efforts, and programs and activities. Sponsors: Special thanks to our Trustees for sponsoring this internship!
Freddie Matthis, Administrative Intern (left): Junior at Shepaug High School.
Q: What has been the highlight of the internship?
A: Learning the office operations of a nonprofit organization and assisting with events and programs offered by Steep Rock Association.
Natalie DiCostanzo, Denise T. Community Engagement Intern (right): Junior at Westover High School.
Q: What has been the highlight of the internship?
A: Meeting Steep Rock Donors and being able to utilize our trails.
Want to learn more about these amazing young people? Head on over to our Instagram for full interviews!
