2018 O’Neil Conservation Stewards

We are excited to announce that we again received many qualified candidates and from those chose three interns for the class of 2018. They will begin their internship after Memorial Day. The program is designed to give these students a well-rounded experience, providing a glimpse of what the world of environmental nonprofits is like, along with hands-on stewardship experience on Land Alliance properties. The students will conduct wildlife inventories, install native plantings, maintain trails, manage invasive species, learn to monitor conservation easements and lead our dedicated volunteers in stewardship work. They will also assist with events, including our Family Day Member’s Event. This program gives the Land Alliance additional capacity to not only maintain but improve our preserved lands for the benefit of the public and our ecosystems. With an exciting project list and a talented set of interns, it’s sure to be a productive and fun-filled summer. Abby Bezrutczyk Abby is a sophomore at Cornell University studying environmental sciences and plant science. She has fueled her interest in conservation by working in an invasive plants lab and with specimens at Bailey Herbarium. Abby has experience doing field work and is an avid gardener. This summer she is looking forward to learning more about the natural places of Long Island where she grew up. Emily Manning Emily is a sophomore at Elon University NC and is majoring in environmental studies, with a minor in public health. Emily has held similar stewardship positions where she maintained trails, removed invasive plants and gave guided nature walks. She is a world traveler and is excited to get this hands-on experience Sofi Solomon Sofi is a sophomore at the University of Michigan in the Environmental Program. Her experience working at a nature camp, teaching children on long days outside and curating the camp’s animal collection has primed her for this internship. Sofi is excited to learn more about land management and the ecological gems of Long Island.