With support from the Foundation since 2016, the Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) provides paid internships to students from the City University of New York (CUNY) aspiring toward careers in conservation science. The internship is an urban ecology program focused on New York City’s 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. It provides training in plant identification, field ecology, data management, ecological surveying methods, and trail improvement techniques. Wraparound services include professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities which help young New Yorkers pursue and succeed in green jobs. 80% of job-seeking interns secure employment within six months and 90% of those now work in the environmental field.
