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, Jessica Elzea Kogel Conservation Fund, Valerie Friedman, and the Bijoor family for sponsoring our 2024 program.
Support our amazing interns by giving to Steep Rock’s Internship Program today.
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, visitor relations, and more.
Ryan Holman is a junior at SUNY New Paltz majoring in Environmental Biology and is very passionate about climate justice.
Grace Zona is a rising senior at Purdue University, majoring in Environmental and Ecological Engineering.
Their capstone project focused on combating the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid threatening eastern hemlock trees. They spent weeks surveying and identifying optimal release spots for the adelgid’s native predator, Sasajicymnus tsugae, the black lady beetle. Grace and Ryan hope to see initial impacts within the next year.
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.
Juliette Dutton is a rising sophomore at the University of Vermont. Juliette enjoyed working outside at the garden this summer, especially working directly with the volunteers.
Peyton Nash is a rising junior at Sarah Lawrence College as a creative writing major. Peyton enjoyed working outside and getting to see our efforts grow from seedlings to plants that benefit people in need.
Denise Trevenen 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 an incoming University of Connecticut freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Over the last few summers with us, Natalie has enjoyed working in collaboration with the other interns, assisting with development projects, problem solving in the office, and assisting in coordinating and organizing events.
Trails & Preserves
The Trails & Preserves Intern contributes to stewardship and management of recreational trails, including trail construction and maintenance, invasive species removal, campsite management, and more.
Ben Leibowitz is a rising senior at Colorado College studying Environmental Studies and Psychology. During his summer, Ben has learned the extent of tasks necessary for construction and maintenance of trails and preserves, and experienced the value of land trusts. He enjoys being able to take an active role with Steep Rock helping to connect the community, and especially kids, to natural spaces.
