Meet our 2025 Summer Interns

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.

These internships are made possible in part by funding from the Jessica Elzea Kogel Land Conservation Fund, the Bill Coleman Memorial Fund, and the Washington Scholarship Fund.

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.

Zoe Duesing is currently pursuing a Master’s in Wildlife and Conservation Biology at Central Connecticut State University. With hands-on experience in field research, land stewardship, and environmental education, Zoe brings a strong scientific foundation and a deep passion for protecting natural ecosystems. She is excited to support Steep Rock’s mission through the Van Sinderen Conservation Internship.

Reid Armas is a Forestry major at the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. A longtime Steep Rock trail volunteer, Reid brings hands-on experience in land stewardship, public land management, and ecological restoration. His deep connection to Steep Rock and passion for conservation make him a natural fit for the VSI Conservation Internship.

As part of their Van Sinderen Conservation Internship, Zoe Duesing and Reid Armas are investigating notable trees. These trees are often the oldest and largest in their respective area, standing apart from others, significantly influencing ecological processes, and providing extremely unique wildlife habitat. The effort dovetails with Connecticut College’s statewide inventory where Zoe and Reid plan to submit entries to build the public’s appreciation for their magnificence and importance. As Steep Rock turns 100, join us in recognizing and celebrating those outstanding specimens that have shaped our lands for hundreds of years.

Denise Trevenen Community Engagement

The Denise Trevenen 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.

Jonathan Kozak is pursuing a Master’s in Public History at Central Connecticut State University, with a focus on environmental history and media. As the 2025 Denise Trevenen Community Engagement Intern, Jon brings a passion for storytelling and conservation, along with experience in video production, nonprofit communications, and public outreach.

This summer, Jon is creating a video timeline project celebrating 100 years of Steep Rock’s history—helping to connect people to place through the power of narrative and visual media.

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.

Annabel DiCostanzo is a 10th-grade student at the Forman School with a strong commitment to sustainability and community-based agriculture. After two summers volunteering at Judea Garden, she joins the team this year as a Judea Garden Summer Intern. Annabel’s work reflects her deep interest in the intersection of gardening, health, and service—foundations she hopes to build on in a future career connected to environmental or therapeutic fields. This summer, her project focuses on organic pest control in the garden.

Everett Pierce, a student at Nonnewaug High School, joins us as a Judea Garden Summer Intern with a strong interest in environmental conservation and community service. With career aspirations in environmental law, Everett brings leadership, communication, and advocacy experience. This summer, Everett’s project focuses on sustainable gardening practices.

Trails and Preserves

The Trails and Preserves Intern contributes to stewardship and management of recreational trails, including trail construction and maintenance, invasive species removal, campsite management, and more.

Jonah Hum is a junior at the University of Connecticut pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences with minors in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Anthropology. He joins Steep Rock Association as a 2025 Trails and Preserves Intern with a strong interest in fieldwork, ecological research, and land conservation. Jonah brings a blend of academic and practical experience from ecological research, data analysis, and volunteer coaching. This summer, he is excited to deepen his skills while supporting trail maintenance, habitat management, and stewardship of Steep Rock’s preserves.

Braden Steward returns to Steep Rock Association as a 2025 Trails and Preserves Intern, bringing hands-on field experience and a passion for conservation. Currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, Braden has worked on invasive species management, stream assessments, and species surveys. His previous internship with Judea Garden strengthened his collaboration and communication skills, and this summer, he continues contributing to land stewardship efforts across Steep Rock’s preserves. Braden’s love of the outdoors and eagerness to protect natural spaces make him a valuable part of the team.