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.
Special thanks to the Washington Scholarship Fund and Mark and Marie Schwartz for sponsoring our internships.
Support our amazing interns by giving to Steep Rock’s Internship Program today.
Meet our 2023 Interns
Van Sinderen 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.
Ben Armas is a sophomore at Bucknell University, majoring in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Ben has been hiking the trails of Steep Rock Preserve, particularly Macricostas Preserve to Waramaug’s Rock, for years, is an avid gardener, and has participated in in-depth conservation and land preservation studies.
Grace Zona is currently attending Purdue University, majoring in Environmental and Ecological Engineering. Grace has always loved hiking at SRA preserves – and welcomed the opportunity to apply her experience with biological studies and habitat management projects to helping work towards our land conservation goals.
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.
Jaya Bijoor is a rising senior at Stuyvesant High School and plans to pursue a college degree in Environmental Engineering and Computer Science. Jaya is Director of the Stuyvesant Environmental Club and volunteers at urban farms and food pantries.
Braden Steward currently attends Siena College as a Biology major with a focus on horticulture. Braden has volunteered with White Memorial Conservation Center and Sunny Valley Nature Preserve and is always ready to grow new plants.
Jaya and Braden both love interning for Judea Garden because they know they are making an impact on their local community – and have both noted how wonderful it is to work closely with the Judea Garden volunteers!
Community Engagement
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.
Natalie DiCostanzo is a rising senior at Westover High School. She brings with her experience in social media, web design, data management, fundraising, community engagement and more, and is looking forward to the remainder of her internship to further develop her skills.