The Nature Conservancy in New York - IPCY: 2007 Field Season

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For more information about the Internship Program for City Youth, or to sponsor a student, please contact Brigitte Griswold at (212) 381-2186 or bgriswold@tnc.org.

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The success of The Nature Conservancy in New York depends on the support of people like you.

Thirty-six students and mentors participated in the Internship Program for City Youth's 2007 field season, which marked the largest group in the program's thirteen year history.

Interns stayed at an array of Nature Conservancy preserves across the Northeast, including Mashomack, the Adirondacks, Central & Western New York, Martha's Vineyard, Southern Lake Champlain Valley, the Delaware Bayshores, Sam's Point / Shawangunks, New Hampshire, Maine, and the Pocono Montains, spanning across seven different states.

This year also marked enhanced Mentor Training in partnership with the National Outdoor Leadership School.

The 2007 Interns Highlight Their Experiences

Shawneil Campbell
© The Nature Conservancy

“I take from this experience not a month of pulling weeds, but helping the earth in the march for conservation. Along with the knowledge I have soaked up from identifying invasive species, learning about the different jobs within the organization has shown me that you don’t have to have a science degree to help in the fight to save the Earth. Before, conservation to me was more of a “tree hugger” thing, but now I see and understand that it’s everyone’s thing! Conservation doesn’t discriminate – it is a world activity and this month has given me a stepping stone for growing and expanding as a person. This internship has turned my view of the world inside out with much depth and enthusiasm – I have a better understanding of myself and now I know that New York City is not all the world has to offer."
-- Shawneil Campbell, Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment

Artie De Los Santos
© The Nature Conservancy

“In one month, my lifestyle has been altered in so many ways. Some tasks like weekly laundry and dirty dishes were things that my mother always used to do. This experience helped me gain those life essential skills. I am definitely proud of how much I can now do on my own without my friends and family. It was things like living with three strangers, who have now become friends, which really helped me to open my eyes to different cultures and beliefs. We were blessed enough to do so many activities like fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and even tubing down the Delaware River. These are activities that New Yorkers like me don’t get the chance to experience.”
-- Artie De Los Santos, High School for Environmental Studies

“I will never take nature trails for granted for now that I have actually experienced the hard work that goes into maintaining them. I think the more time you spend in a nature preserve, the more your understanding and passion grows for your surroundings. I realize that it's been only four days since I left the city, but I have already considered an alternative career in environmental studies. I didn't know how much I loved the natural world until I came here.”
-- Anzee Sherap, High School for Environmental Studies

Balanda Joachim © The Nature Conservancy

“Coming from New York City there are so many things to entertain me. I have T.V, internet, mp3 players, computer games, video games etc. Going to South Jersey with no electronics, in the woods, with six people you don’t know with different backgrounds was something totally different. I didn’t think I was going to survive! But I had the time of my life. I learned new things about different cultures; I was able to bond with people easily. Being in the woods was not all that bad either. We had wild turkeys living in our back yard and a fox! Until I went on this trip I never knew how much gadgets isolate you from the world. I never realized how much fun the water was. I went body surfing, boogie boarding, and I played chicken. I felt great that I was able to laugh and be entertained with out a TV. But the best part of this trip was the people. I've never met such wonderful people in my entire life."
-- Balanda Joachim, Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment

“We learned not only about the conservation work out in the field, but also about the importance of work behind the scenes. These jobs included fundraising, volunteer program specialist, outreach program manager, and more. Though these jobs rarely include field work they are all important in the everyday operations of The Nature Conservancy, and many other environmental organizations. The exposure to these kinds of jobs showed me that skills of all kinds are needed at The Nature Conservancy. The positive reinforcement of the people involved in this program have helped us interns cement our goals of being involved in the scientific and conservation careers.”
-- Tiyi Brewster, Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment

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.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © The Nature Conservancy (2007 Interns); Photo © The Nature Conservancy (Intern).