The summer internship is an eight-week program committed to restoring wildlife habitat, preserving high-quality prairies, maintaining trails for public access and creating an environmental program for our Eco-Camps.
Interns can expect to use a variety of restoration techniques to remove invasive plants to include: hand pulling, dead heading and mowing. They will also help increase the diversity of native plants through planting and harvesting seeds.
Lake Forest Open Lands Assocation makes it a priority to ensure a safe and friendly experience for those visiting our preserves. Interns enhance the trails by wood chipping trails, hedging and removing storm damage vegetation. Interns also have the opportunity to serve as Trail Stewards, responding positively and informatively to questions that visitors might have about the work of Lake Forest Open Lands, and reporting any misconduct.
The internship includes a direct educational component including field trips to local environmental organizations, guest speakers and collecting data for environmental monitoring programs.
An important part of the internship involves sharing what you’ve learned:
- You’ll develop a half-day program for our Eco-camps regarding habitat restoration, using props that you have designed.
- With the rest of your team, you’ll host a slide show and luncheon to thank the sponsors who annually underwrite interns’ salaries. As an individual, you’ll write a thank-you letter to your personal sponsor, communicating the highlights of your summer and what you have learned.
Qualifications and Experience:
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age;
- Have completed the first year of college or equivalent (please inquire for further info);
- Be willing to work in all types of weather conditions;
- Be able to help with heavy lifting;
- *Experience with power equipment is a plus, but not necessary
Successful candidates should have the ability to work as part of a team and have an interest in working in the field of natural resources, as well as an enthusiasm for environmental stewardship.
Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude are important for working with other Lake Forest Open Lands programs including Center for Conservation Leadership students, Eco-Adventure Campers as well as interacting with members of the public.
APPLY. Please submit completed applications to Peter Gordon 350 N. Waukegan Rd. Lake Forest, IL 60045 or email.
