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The Conservancy's IPCY is helping solve New York's "nature deficit disorder" one high school student at a time.Go DeeperThe Internship Program for City Youth
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The Nature Conservancy's Internship Program for City Youth (IPCY) was created in 1995 in New York City to connect young urban high school students with the natural world. Each summer, the Conservancy partners with the Friends of the High School for Environmental Studies and the Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment to send students in small teams with trained mentors to live, work, and play on nature preserves throughout the Northeast. For most of these students, the program marks their first extended time in nature.
As the program enters its 13th year, a number of recent studies have shown the critical importance of connecting young people to nature. A national movement has emerged called "No Child Left Inside" to respond to the increased urbanization of the American population, the electronically "plugged -in" nature of our youth (.pdf), and the importance of exposing children to the wonders of the outdoors at an early age. The Conservancy's IPCY is helping solve New York's "nature deficit disorder" one high school student at a time.
Below, three IPCY alumni reflect on their experience with The Nature Conservancy and share their plans for the future.
Min Zheng
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NNY: Why did you apply to ICPY?
Min: I wanted to explore possibilities for my future career. I also wanted to get out of the city during the summer to do something productive.
NNY: What was your favorite part of the internship?
Min: I really enjoyed the college visits. While at that time, college was not a huge concern of mine, I’m glad I got an early exposure to it. I also cherish the friendships I made that summer – the people that participated in the program with me, the people we met along the way, and our mentors. I loved working to remove the debris from a river, only to find that the beavers had built it back the very next day! I liked memorizing tree names, planting native species, and even getting lost on the trails.
NNY: How did the program help you pursue a career in environmental science?
Min: The internship helped me to see that there are conservation jobs out there to explore and that there are other career options to pursue besides a doctor or a lawyer. I also learned the value of fieldwork, and the feeling of accomplishment through hands-on work. It helped me understand the importance of conservation and encouraged me to pursue a career in international conservation.
NNY: Where do you hope the future takes you?
Min: I would love to find an NGO that works internationally on conservation, where I could travel to Asia as a representative. I would like to work on sustainable development projects or programs.
Orlando Raez
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NNY: How was your first day in the field? What is your fondest memory?
Orlando: It was quite an odyssey. The local farmer, whose land faced the Chaumont Barrens near Lake Ontario, gave us a lift on his tractor through some muddy, densely vegetated areas. We learned about invasive species and how they threatened the natural biota of the region. Conservancy staff taught us about the tools we would use to eradicate the weeds (along with safety tips!) and we eagerly began to work the land. The farmer’s wife greeted us later that day with refreshments and homemade mustard.
NNY: What do you remember not-so-fondly about being in the field?
Orlando: The summer heat stung at times, but luckily I found a hat to protect me, similar to the one Indiana Jones used to wear.
NNY: How has your outlook on the world changed with your interest in conservation?
Orlando: I see the world as one of consequences. Every action has both a direct and indirect effect on the future. Since my internship with the Conservancy almost 10 years ago, I’ve traveled and worked throughout most of the U.S. and have briefly explored Peru and the Dominican Republic. I have vivid memories of the paper mills of Maine, the giant Sequoias of California, the deserts of New Mexico, the jungles of Peru, and all the villages and cities in between. I see the connections between all these places ecologically, and understand the importance of land use and policy decisions.
Richard Parker
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NNY: How was your first day in the field? What is your fondest memory?
Richard: My first day in the field was great. I love nature, and it was great to be working outdoors. I remember looking around at all the beautiful surroundings and then suddenly the importance of it all hit me. I now know why we have to educate everyone about the environment and how it is a big part of everyone’s life! That’s why it’s great for high school students that live in a big city like NYC to experience this program.
NNY: What are your fondest memories of the internship?
Richard: I remember everything fondly! But if I had to pick one thing it would be the Conservancy employees. They are the nicest, coolest, funniest people I have ever worked with. They helped us with everything. They were more like friends rather than teachers or bosses because they were teaching us while we were having fun. It was a truly a great way of learning.
NNY: How has your outlook on the world changed with your interest in conservation?
Richard: My outlook has changed a lot. I really want to do everything I can to help the environment. It's great to have an understanding of something you love so you can help other people understand, too.
NNY: How does your perception of the world differ from your friends and family who have not taken part in conservation?
Richard: I try to help them understand why it is important to keep the earth safe from ourselves by using less energy and recycling. There are no emergency exits on earth so we need to keep everything in good shape.
Reach Out
For more information on The Nature Conservancy’s Internship Program for City Youth, please visit nature.org/ipcy. If you are interested in supporting a child, please contact Brigitte Griswold, IPCY Coordinator, at bgriswold@tnc.org.
<< Back to Nature New York Spring/Summer 2007
Nature picture credits: All Photos © The Nature Conservancy.
