Each summer, Holden Forests & Gardens welcomes talented interns who bring curiosity, passion, and fresh perspectives to our work. From conservation and forestry to horticulture and soil science, these students gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful projects across our organization. Want to learn more? Join us at our annual SEARCH Symposium, where interns share their work through poster presentations and discuss the research, projects, and experiences that shaped their summer. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more about a handful of our summer interns:

Adriana Valerio, Conservation Intern

This summer, I’ve had the chance to work on projects involving forest health, habitat restoration, avian biology, and soil science—all areas that closely align with my studies. Gaining hands-on experience with invasive plant management, bird handling and banding, and even chainsaw safety has helped me see how these disciplines connect in real-world conservation work. The internship confirmed my interest in pursuing a career focused on habitat and bird conservation and inspired me to consider graduate school as my next step.

Gracie Bartley, Forestry Intern

One of the best parts of my internship has been being part of the Community Forestry and Working Woods team. I’ve learned so much from the people around me, and their advice about careers, the job market, and life after graduation has been incredibly encouraging. The mock interviews helped build my confidence, and I unexpectedly discovered how much I enjoy connecting with the public and serving as an educational resource. This experience has helped me build meaningful professional relationships and feel more prepared for the next stage of my career.

Anelise Dawson, Ferry Foundation Horticulture Intern

I’ve loved how every day at Holden Forests & Gardens brings something new. Working alongside supportive staff and hearing about their career journeys helped me better understand the opportunities within horticulture and environmental science. My soil health-focused project strengthened my passion for the field and confirmed that I want to continue my education beyond my bachelor’s degree. Completing my soil management plan and receiving feedback from professionals has given me confidence in pursuing a future in soil science.

Marissa Khalil, Ferry Foundation Horticulture Intern

Working outside every day while expanding my plant knowledge has been one of the most rewarding parts of this internship. I’ve learned how important plant expertise is to successful landscape architecture and have been able to apply both design principles and horticultural knowledge to my project work. I also appreciated the opportunity to sit in on meetings, learn how horticulture teams operate behind the scenes, and make valuable professional connections that will benefit me as I begin my career.

Lillian Long, Horticulture Intern

This internship taught me as much about myself as it did about horticulture. I’ve enjoyed spending my days outdoors, learning from supportive staff, and gaining a better understanding of how professional teams work together. Along the way, I developed a deeper appreciation for invasive species management and even discovered a new interest in insects and bugs. Most importantly, the experience showed me that it’s okay not to have everything figured out and gave me confidence as I explore future career possibilities.

Aidan Edwards, Research Intern

During my internship at HF&G, I enjoyed being outside doing fieldwork most days while also gaining experience with data entry and analysis.The general process of identifying plants in the field along with the various characteristics of plants. General field survey methods and different tools.Better practice at interviewing and how I can use clifton strengths to communicate my strengths.

Brianna Hershey, Research Intern

I’ve really enjoyed the new skills I’ve acquired and meeting people with experience to help explore future career paths.This internship fits into my academics by helping me complete not just a capstone project, but by teaching me valuable skills I can use when looking for jobs. I’ve learned a lot from the resume building exercises and mock-interviews. This helped me learn what future interviewers look for in job candidates and how to articulate my skills effectively. I feel that this internship has helped me gain hands-on experience with concepts that are only discussed in classrooms such as plant taxonomy and traits, computer skills, and experience with presenting projects. These will be most helpful in future classes as such as Plant Biology, along with many of our labs involving computer programs I’m learning now.

Mariah Jones, Rzepka Horticulture Intern

I’ve learned equipment operations, landscape maintenance, plant and pest identification – all of which I’ve been able to apply in my internship. Learning how to prioritize tasks, work with a team to accomplish those tasks, and even identifying how to delegate tasks. My internship has validated what my career interests were and it’s helping me feel confident in establishing career goals.

Sophie S., Green Corps Intern, Community Ecology

Mia B., Green Corps Intern, Population Ecology

Flo M., Green Corps Intern, Population Ecology

Charlotte “Lotte” D., Green Corps Intern, Community Ecology