Nonprofit Internships

Watershed Management Group, nonprofit in Tucson

Mission: We develop community-based solutions to ensure the long-term prosperity of people and health of the environment. We provide people with the knowledge, skills, and resources for sustainable livelihoods.

The University of Arizona and Watershed Management Group have teamed up to provide juniors, seniors and graduate students with real-world job experience, in an effort to make graduating students more prepared for life after graduation as part of the “waterWRLD” internship program.

Alex Lohman majored in Environmental Science, focusing on land and water resources

I worked with the project managers at Watershed Management Group on several projects, including the preparation of water harvesting and landscape designs and data management. This experience helped me develop real world skills in a professional setting and supplement classroom education.

Holli LaBrie graduated with an Master's degree in Environmental Science.

I drafted policy statements, wrote draft applications and planned community roundtable events with local leaders in Pima County. I met regularly with a mentor to track the progress of each task and brainstorm new ideas for community events as well. Along with this, the other interns and I have weekly workshops in which we improve on our professional development skills.

The Trustees of Reservations, nonprofit in Massachusetts

Mission: The Trustees of Reservations preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.

Juli Simons majored in Environmental Science with an emphasis on natural resources.

For my undergraduate internship, I returned to my home state of Boston, Massachusetts and participated in a summer internship with the Trustees of Reservations. The Trustees of Reservations is a small non-profit with the goal of preserving properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value for public use and enjoyment.

My daily activities included monitoring and managing activities for breeding piping plovers, terns, black skimmers and American oystercatchers; assisting with daily reports on the breeding status and location of nesting shorebirds; helping with targeted predator control and monitoring effects; and with educating the public about shorebird and barrier beach ecology.

Reid Park Zoo, nonprofit zoo in Tucson

Mission: Encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages.

Kaite Fletcher majored in Environmental Science and Journalism.

I worked with a diverse group of animals everyday and alongside others who are dedicated to the health and happiness of Reid Park’s animals.

Some of my daily tasks included: Feeding each animal an individualized, nutritious diet with daily medications and other supplements; cleaning exhibits and night houses; enriching animals to encourage natural behaviors; observing animals to ensure health and happiness; and assisting zookeepers in other routine tasks. I hope to continue volunteering for this organization once my internship is completed!

Environment America, environmental advocacy nonprofit in Arizona

Mission: Environment Arizona protects the places we love, advancing the environmental values we share, and winning real results for our environment.

Natalie Robbins majored in Environmental Science with an emphasis on science and policy.

I worked on the Go-Solar! state-wide campaign, which was aimed at expanding solar energy initiatives in the cities of Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix. While working on this project, I garnered local support for the campaign through grassroots petitioning, business canvassing, phone-banking and face-to-face meetings with elected officials at the city level. I also reached out to state elected officials to generate support for our Go Solar! letter of outreach. One of my favorite parts of working on the campaign was writing letters to the editor. At the end of my summer, I had 3 letters to the editor published in both the Arizona Republic and Tucson Star, which ranged from topics such as solar energy to the protection of the Grand Canyon watershed.

A lot of the additional work I did at Environment Arizona had to do with attending meetings in support of environmental issues. During my time, the EPA Clean Power Plan was introduced, and we attended the hearings at the state capitol concerning Arizona’s state plan for adherence to the law. We also attended city council meetings in support of the adoption of more aggressive solar energy goals.

After spending my summer interning at Environment Arizona, I have found that my communication skills are greatly improved. I am no longer as timid about reaching out to people, as grassroots organizing requires you to be extremely outgoing. I found the work at Environment Arizona to be fascinating, and a great experience for anyone looking to have a stake in changing the world.