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Jasmine Wright, an intern at Martha's Vineyard © The Nature Conservancy Contact: For more information about The Nature Conservancy's Internship Program for City Youth, or to sponsor a student, please contact Brigitte Griswold at (212) 381-2186 or bgriswold@tnc.org. Donate now to help protect NewYork's Last Great Places!

The Sam's Point interns take a canoeing trip
©The Nature Conservancy

Internship Program for City Youth

2006 Season

Thirty-one students and mentors participated in the 2006 field season, which marked the largest group in the program's twelve year history. Interns stayed at an array of Nature Conservancy preserves across the Northeast, including Mashomack,  the Adirondacks,  Martha's Vineyard,  Southern Lake Champlain Valley, the Delaware Bayshores, Sam's Point / Shawangunks, and the Poconos.

The 2006 interns highlight their experiences:

Amit Bhowmick catches dragonflies in the Delaware Bayshores. © The Nature Conservancy

“This experience was the best month of my life.  I was away from my parents for so long, I really had to learn how to take care of myself.  I went through so many new experiences, I feel like I have a new home and a new family.  I had to work very hard, and a lot of times I was exhausted, but the staff workers would always congratulate me and I'd feel special about myself.  The Nature Conservancy helped me to learn a lot and made me a better person in all respects."  

Amit Bhowmick, 16
Delaware Bayshores
High School for Environmental Studies
 

 

“What I'd tell someone who is about to do this job is that they'll love it because if someone like me, who is nervous in nature, can feel so comfortable here, then anyone can.  I've learned to appreciate this place and now I go swimming and kayaking more because these are things that most people never get to do in New York City.  It's very beautiful to see all the love and effort people put into this preserve.  Everyone has been so friendly to me.

Emily Chan, 17
Mashomack Preserve
High School for Environmental Studies
 

Shannel Hodge plants flowers in a nursery in Martha's Vineyard. © The Nature Conservancy

“Before  working at The Nature Conservancy, if someone had killed an insect, I would have probably cheered them on.  But now, I might try to stop them, because I've learned that everything has its place in life and its own little job to do.  Insects are an important part of life in our plant nursery.  I can now see how the little things and the big things can each have a big impact on our world.  Everyone plays a role here, big or small, which affects our work at The Nature Conservancy and makes it a success.”

Shannel Hodge, 17
Martha's Vineyard
High School for Environmental Studies

Paul Knudsen (right) helps other interns prepare a seining net.  © The Nature Conservancy

“I learned you have to take the work with the play, and that even though you are working outdoors on a nice day, the work can still be tiring!  Perseverance is the key, and not being satisfied until the job is complete.  There were a few annoying things, like no television, but this experience is really a once-in-a-lifetime chance that you don't get everyday.  It has taught me not only about nature, but also things about myself and about the challenges of living with new people.  I feel I took a lot away from this program such as great stories, friendly faces, and a tick or two.”

Paul Knudsen, 16
Delaware Bayshores
High School for Environmental Studies

 

“This program has helped me to see the bigger picture of what experiences I can face in different environments.  I discovered that I can probably go to a college far away from home.  I can be independent and not use a lot of electronics.  I always thought I would be terrified of having lots of bugs around, but it's really not that bad when you have on bug spray.  This experience has shown me that I can overcome my fears.  Being in the field has opened my eyes to discover the beauty of nature because it is peaceful and has a community just like humans do.  I have realized that nature is a beautiful thing."  

Tiffany Charles, 17
Adirondack Mountains and Southern Lake Champlain Valley
Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment

David Londono (left) and Paris Lingard repair a fence. © The Nature Conservancy

“I had a mixture of feelings on the last day of this program.  Tired because of all the hard work and sad because I have gotten so used to this place.  I love it here.  I also feel confused because as much as I want to stay here, I want to see my family again.  And I feel happy because I have found what I want to do in the future, the kind of job I want to have."  

David Londono, 17
Sam's Point / Shawangunk Mountains
High School for Environmental Studies
 

If you are interested in sponsoring a student or want more information on the Internship Program, please contact Brigitte Griswold at (212) 381-2186 or email bgriswold@tnc.org.