Today, many students are drawn to land trusts because of their passion for protecting natural spaces, climate change issues, and preserving biodiversity. Internships allow them to actively contribute to environmental conservation efforts and make real impacts. This summer, four TILT interns —Jack Gates, Cole Munro, Finn O’Neill and Taylor Towne—each connected uniquely with the land, the River, and the community, gaining invaluable experiences.

Cole returned for his second summer as the Education and Outreach Intern (EOI), with a passion to deepen his connection, both with the land and the people. He assisted in organizing TILTreks and events. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role was the opportunity to engage with the many people who visited the TILT office. Whether they were long-time supporters of TILT or first-time visitors, I found it incredibly rewarding to share our mission and hear their stories about their connections to the Thousand Islands.” These conversations not only broadened Cole’s understanding of the community’s passion for conservation but reinforced his belief in the importance of conserving the region.

Jack Gates, a Summer Land Steward, found his role to be a hands-on immersion in land management and community building. “Being a Summer Land Steward is important work. It involves taking care of the trails and preserves so that they are nice for the community.” From invasive species removal on Carleton Island to contributing to the restoration of Tibbett’s Point, Jack got a firsthand look at the realworld impact of conservation efforts. But it wasn’t just the physical labor that made an impression on him. Working at events such as the Zenda Community Picnic & Volunteer Recognition and Summer Gathering enabled him to connect with people in a way that enhanced his appreciation for those who support TILT's mission. Jack reflected that “this blend of outdoor stewardship and community involvement helped me to see how conservation work brings people together in meaningful ways.”

Finn O’Neill also spent his summer working on the Stewardship team as a Summer Land Steward. He said, “As an intern with the Land Trust, I saw how necessary stewardship is in protecting our natural landscapes. I learned that managing the land for its long-term health and involving the community in conservation not only helps protect these ecosystems but also inspires others. I was proud to be part of this essential work.”

Taylor Towne, the Kenneth Deedy Environmental Steward, found her perspective on the region evolving throughout the summer. “I thought I knew all I needed to about the area…but  I discovered that the River holds so much more,” she reflected.

Taylor’s work at the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center and Save The River deepened her understanding of the River’s ecosystems and environmental threats it faces. While at TILT, she saw the importance of building community connections with the land. “Just as the River connects to the land around it, there is an interconnectedness between the River and those who care for it,” said Taylor.

Together, these interns' experiences highlighted that conservation is about more than just the land—it’s about building lasting connections that ensure the future of the Thousand Islands for generations to come.

Thanks to the generosity of the Ellen & Stuart Burt Summer Stewardship Fund and the Ames Family Stewardship Fund, TILT offers enriching internship programs that provide hands-on experience in conservation and stewardship.