Nature offers us more than just beauty — it nurtures our well-being, fuels our creativity, and provides the essential resources that sustain life. Yet, beyond what we take from the natural world, there is a growing need to give back, ensuring that future generations inherit a planet as rich and vibrant as the one we enjoy today. Cultivating environmental stewardship begins with hands-on experiences that deepen young people’s connection to nature, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect it.
The responsibility to safeguard our environment will soon rest in the hands of today’s youth. By engaging with conservation efforts, learning from seasoned experts, and taking an active role in sustainability initiatives, young leaders are preparing to tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow. This Earth Month, we’re highlighting internship programs supported by F. M. Kirby Foundation grantees that are shaping the next generation of conservationists. Through fieldwork, research, and advocacy, these programs empower young people to become lifelong stewards of the natural world.
Bald Head Island Conservancy — Bald Head Island, North Carolina
The Bald Head Island Conservancy offers a dynamic internship program focused on environmental conservation, research, and education. Interns at the Conservancy, who come from all over the country and spend their summer living on the island, play an integral role in preserving the island’s delicate ecosystem, engaging in a range of activities including sea turtle nest monitoring, wildlife conservation efforts, and environmental outreach. Through hands-on experience, interns develop a deeper understanding of coastal ecosystems, while contributing to important conservation work that helps protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of Bald Head Island.
“Being a Sea Turtle intern at the Bald Head Island Conservancy was genuinely one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had,” said Tiana DeGrande, who recently interned with Bald Head Island Conservancy. “I was able to work alongside an amazing group of people that are dedicated to preserving and conserving the beautiful ecosystems and creatures of Bald Head Island. Not only was I able to work closely with sea turtles and help them in their incredible nesting process to help conserve their populations, but also with the residents of Bald Head Island and the entire Bald Head Island Conservancy staff to educate and inspire others about the importance of marine conservation. Through outreach and hands-on research, I gained invaluable experience in fieldwork and public engagement, further fueling my passion for protecting coastal ecosystems.”
This immersive program also provides interns with valuable skills in scientific research, data collection, and public engagement. By working closely with staff and other environmental professionals, participants gain practical experience in habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and educational program development. The Bald Head Island Conservancy internship is an ideal opportunity for individuals passionate about marine and coastal ecosystems to make a meaningful impact while learning about the complexities of conservation and environmental stewardship in one of North Carolina’s most unique coastal environments.
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey — Boonton, New Jersey
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey (TLC-NJ) offers internships that provide students with hands-on experience in land conservation and environmental planning. Interns at TLC-NJ are involved in a range of meaningful projects, from habitat restoration to community outreach and environmental education. These internships give participants the opportunity to work closely with conservation professionals, gaining insight into the various aspects of land preservation and environmental protection. Interns assist in surveying properties, organizing volunteer events, and conducting research to help further TLC-NJ’s mission of protecting New Jersey’s open spaces.
“When many people think about protecting the environment, they focus on rainforests or coral reefs,” said Brandon Zabriskie, who interned with TLC-NJ in 2024. “Working at The Land Conservancy, I’ve learned that the world in our backyard is just as beautiful and important as any of these other places.”
TLC-NJ offers a range of internships each year, typically hosting multiple interns from diverse academic backgrounds, including environmental science, biology, land management, and policy. A highlight of TLC-NJ’s internship program is the Richard M. Sargent, Jr. Internship Award, established in 2007 to honor the legacy of Richard M. “Dick” Sargent, a former trustee and beloved advocate for conservation. This prestigious award is presented annually to one outstanding intern, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the organization and their dedication to preserving the environment. Through this award, TLC-NJ continues to celebrate Dick Sargent’s enduring impact on the field of land conservation while inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.
The Raptor Trust — Millington, New Jersey
The Raptor Trust’s Summer Scholars Program provides students with a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, particularly focused on birds of prey. Interns assist in supporting various tasks related to the rehabilitation process, including maintaining care standards, preparing diets, and assisting with general upkeep of the center. This immersive program offers interns the chance to develop an understanding of wildlife care, rehabilitation procedures, and the broader field of environmental conservation.
“For me, interning at The Raptor Trust was my introduction to the world of ornithology,” said Katrina Young, who interned for the organization in 2024. “Every day brought new lessons and opportunities to develop my skills. The environment was incredibly welcoming and there was always someone eager to answer any questions. Through this experience, I discovered my passion for birds and a deep appreciation for avian conservation. Working with these birds has solidified my commitment to wildlife rehabilitation and education, and I am excited to continue growing as a conservationist with them in my corner!”
The Summer Scholars Program not only provides practical field experience, but also fosters a deeper understanding of conservation challenges. Interns contribute to public education initiatives, helping to raise awareness about conservation efforts and habitat preservation. Interns will also have the opportunity to observe diagnostic procedures and participate in educational workshops, gaining mentorship and guidance from experienced staff members to advance their environmental careers.
Adirondack Council — Elizabethtown, New York
The Adirondack Council’s Clarence Petty Internship Program offers college students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental advocacy, policy, and conservation within the Adirondack Park. Interns work directly with the Council’s staff on a variety of critical environmental issues, including land protection, water quality, and climate change. They assist with research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts aimed at protecting the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Adirondack region. This internship provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of how environmental policy and grassroots activism intersect to create lasting change.
“I had the opportunity to intern with the Adirondack Council’s Conservation team in 2019,” said Julia Randall. “Through this experience, I got excellent exposure to the Adirondack Park’s unique land use policy framework and gained valuable experience evaluating the impacts of land use regulations on conservation outcomes. My internship with the Council has given me a strong foundation for my current work as community planner primarily working in mountain communities from the Adirondack Park to the Rocky Mountains.”
Interns in the Clarence Petty Internship Program also engage in outreach and education efforts, helping to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities facing the Adirondack Park. The program allows interns to develop important skills in policy writing, public communication, and environmental research, all while contributing to the preservation of one of New York’s most treasured natural areas. Named in honor of Clarence Petty, a renowned environmental advocate, the program embodies his commitment to protecting the Adirondacks and offers interns the chance to carry forward that legacy while gaining invaluable experience in environmental protection and advocacy.
As we celebrate Earth Month and the efforts of the next generation of environmental stewards, it’s clear that internship programs like those offered by TLC-NJ, the Raptor Trust, the Adirondack Council, and other organizations are crucial in shaping the future of conservation. By supporting and empowering young environmental leaders, we are taking important steps toward building a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
