If you are interested in working outdoors alongside our seasoned and friendly stewardship crew, gaining hands-on experience in what it takes to care and steward for land in Sonoma County, then this is the internship for you! The internship is offered on a part-time basis, unpaid, up to 20 hours per week, with an option of work in exchange for course credit.
You’ll gain experience in forestry for ecological benefits and wildfire resiliency, how to use good fire to manage landscapes for health and biodiversity, trail building, biological monitoring, erosion control, volunteer engagement, and much more.
LandPaths stewards six nature preserves throughout Sonoma County equaling approximately 2,400 acres. LandPaths is a Sonoma County nonprofit organization that connects people to the land by offering equitable open space access, leads outdoor outings, provides environmental educational to both adults and children, and encourages land stewardship through volunteer participation.
SKILLS NEEDED
- Able to commit to at least one or two, 8-hour days a week for at least three months.
- Ability to hike at least five miles over uneven terrain carrying heavy tools in sometimes rainy or cold weather
- Have reliable transportation to and from job sites every week, which range across Sonoma County.
- Positive attitude and genuine interest in land stewardship
- Ability to work in a team comprised LandPaths’ staff, and volunteers
- Participants under 18 will need written permission from a guardian.
SKILLS YOU WILL DEVELOP
- Forest management/Fuel reduction
- Grassland restoration
- Invasive species removal using a variety of hand and power tools
- Trail building and/or maintenance
- Rare plant monitoring
- GPS Mapping
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
- Potential skill-building in data management and entry
- Learn to identify and tell the difference between invasive and native plants and animals
- Learn a variety of natural resource management and restoration techniques
- Access to hiking and potentially camping at LandPaths’ preserves currently closed to the public
- Building responsibility and leadership skills for future job applications and interviews