Nature Conservancy inspires next generation of environmentalists
The Nature Conservancy in Delaware welcomed six high school students to the organization's nationally acclaimed Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future program July 5. To kick off the four-week internship in Delaware, interns joined conservancy staff on a kayak trip along the Broadkill River to the Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve.
During the course of their internship, LEAF interns assisted with projects highlighting different facets of the conservation field. Activities included maintaining nature preserve trails, advancing an oyster shell recycling program, collecting data on marine habitats, acquiring skills in GIS mapping, learning about botany for plant identification and learning about green job opportunities.
The LEAF interns also participated in a workday with their counterparts and conservancy staff from Pennsylvania and New Jersey to highlight a cross-border collaboration important for forging a community-based conservation effort. The internship also arranged tours of colleges in the tri-state area.
"LEAF has changed my life by showing me all of the possibilities in the world for conservation and environmental work," said LEAF intern Isaiah Quinones. "It has showed me just how much is out there to explore, and I am inspired to escape the small bubble of life that I was used to."
As the 2016 LEAF season drew to a close July 29, the LEAF interns reflected on their experience.
"LEAF has shown me that conservation covers a variety of fields," said LEAF intern Anish Shenoy. "I can take any of my interests, and tie it into my desire to help the environment."
"LEAF has taught me that I can use my own career choice to make an impact on the environment in a positive way," said LEAF intern Nazareth Church. "I want to start a LEAF club at Conrad School of Science to spread awareness of it. I want to become the LEAF Ambassador for Delaware, and start to expand its influence."
In its 22nd year, the LEAF Program provided paid jobs for high school students on nature preserves around the country today so they will become stewards for the planet tomorrow. This comprehensive, environmental leadership program for teenagers and their educators has expanded from one to 28 states, and over 1,000 students attending environmentally themed high schools in urban areas have participated in the program. The continued expansion of the LEAF program nationwide is due to leading support from Lowe's.
"Providing students with the opportunity to participate in actual conservation projects on preserves is a great complement to their environmental classroom learning and gives them hands-on experience they may not otherwise get during the school year," said Brigitte Griswold, director of youth programs for The Nature Conservancy. For more information, go to www.nature.org/youth.
