By Bridgett McCann, Communications Specialist
Each summer, TILT welcomes a new group of interns who bring fresh perspectives and energy to conservation. This season, three interns—Cooper Bennett, Jim Farrell, and Sam Dolan—spent their summer gaining hands-on experience and contributing to TILT’s mission.
For Sam, serving as a Summer Land Steward was a reminder of responsibility. “I learned all about environmental conservation—the what’s, the how’s, and most importantly, the why’s. What stood out most was realizing that TILT doesn’t just have a job to do; it has a responsibility, one that is shared with the community.” His time on the Preserves and Trails, along with conversations with local residents, deepened his understanding that conservation is a collective effort, powered by people who care about the River.
Fellow Summer Land Steward Cooper, described his internship as a chance to strengthen both technical skills and teamwork. From trail maintenance at Zenda Farms to rebuilding a collapsed footbridge on the Chippewa Trail, he experienced the variety and unpredictability of stewardship. “Unexpected challenges required quick adjustments and collaborative problem solving,” Cooper reflected. Through it all, he valued the mentorship and camaraderie that helped him grow as both a Land Steward and a teammate.
As the Kenneth Deedy Environmental Steward, Jim explored conservation through a variety of lenses—moving between advocacy, education, and outreach. At Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, he discovered the impact of introducing children to wild places and the role education plays in shaping lifelong conservation values. “By introducing kids to natural things and wild places, they are more likely to value them when they grow up,” Jim reflected. Time with Save The River gave him a new perspective on how visitors and newcomers view the Thousand Islands, reinforcing the importance of advocacy when it comes to national issues like Blind Bay. “When people understand and value the River, they are more likely to fight to protect it.” At TILT, Jim helped with programs like KidsTreks and TILTreks, while gaining new experiences in writing and outreach. “I came to appreciate how written communication is as important as fieldwork in conservation,” he added. These experiences reminded him that conservation can take many forms, from pulling invasive plants to writing stories that connect people to the River.
Though each intern’s path was different, all were united by a common theme: conservation is more than land management—it’s about people who steward the trails, teach the next generation, and come together to protect the Thousand Islands for the future.
Thanks to the Ellen & Stuart Burt Summer Stewardship Fund, Ames Family Stewardship Fund, and Kenneth Deedy Environmental Steward Fund, TILT provides enriching internship opportunities that leave a lasting impact on both the interns and the River, helping to ensure its protection for generations to come.
Interested in joining our team as a summer intern? Visit our careers page on our website at tilandtrust.org for more information.