Interns

Wilton Land Trust's — Internship Programs

Internship Program Overview

The Wilton Land Trust offers both high school and college internships to interested students. WLT interns advance our mission and conservation efforts in a fun, hands-on setting during the spring and fall semesters. Moreover, WLT internships provide opportunities for Wilton’s young adults to broaden their understanding of conservation, support land management, assist in organizing and executing workshops, become a steward of the communities natural spaces, explore a passion project, and much more. Interns at the Wilton Land Trust gain valuable skills to support them on their college and/or career pathway.

3 Seasons - 3 Programs

College students participate in formal internships involving about 35 weekly work hours, over 7-8 weeks.

High school internships offer students the chance to work with the Trust for 3-5 hours a week for 13 weeks in the spring and fall. Students can also work over the summer if they desire.

The Ranger program offers high school students who are eager to get involved but unable to commit to a formal program, the opportunity to join in and help when they can

If you’re considering an internship with the Wilton Land Trust, please email a letter of interest to inquiry@wiltonlandtrust.org

WLT 2024-25 Wilton High School Interns

Brody Fusco

My name is Brody Fusco, I am a Wilton High School Junior, and a passionate Boy Scout, musician, and outdoor enthusiast.

Since 2021, I have been actively involved with the WLT, returning year after year to contribute my time and energy to protect and preserve local landscapes. I have a special affinity for the Chestnut Meadows Nature Preserve, it's where I am working to dedicate my Eagle Scout Project this year.

"I intern with the WLT because I want to make a difference in my community."

Afroz Ali

My name is Afroz Ali and I am a Senior at Wilton High School. I am a part of the Wilton High School cross-country team.

I am passionate about wildlife and I am eager to learn more about the environment I live in. One of my favorite things to do is fishing. Fishing allows me to explore the wilderness. Volunteering at the Norwalk River Watershed Association has given me the chance to work with people who are knowledgeable and experienced.

"I am excited to learn more about properly conserving ecosystems."

Isla Richie

My name is Isla Ritchie and I’m a junior at Wilton High School. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer and the drums. Ever since I moved to Connecticut a few years ago, I’ve become obsessed with Wilton‘s scenery and wildlife.

As an intern, I hope to contribute to the trust’s mission of preserving native species and protecting local ecosystems. I dream of becoming an environmental engineer, and this internship teaches me the importance of conserving the world’s diverse environments.

"I joined the internship program to make an impact in my community and see physical results”

WLT 2024 College Summer Interns

Caelah Kennedy

My name is Caelah Kennedy, and I’m a rising Junior at the University of Vermont. I’m currently a double major in Environmental Studies and Studio Art, with a minor in Agroecology.I am focusing more on the human relationship with the environment, so I look forward to connecting with my community.

I grew up in Wilton, so I’m very excited to be working in my hometown with the Wilton Land Trust. From a young age, I always had a love for the outdoors and the world around me. I spent a lot of time working at Ambler Farm, going through the Apprentice Program, Summer Camp, and a handful of other programs. This will be my first time working with the WLT, so I’m quite excited to work with another part of my community.

“I’m thrilled to have this chance to work with the WLT and share my love of the environment with my community.” ~ Caelah

Elizabeth Vermeulen

My name is Elizabeth Vermeulen, and I am studying environmental sciences and economics at the University of Virginia.

University of Virginia

I have always been passionate about the environment and the outdoors. While at college I have also become especially interested in sustainability and how environmental issues and the economy intersect. Since I grew up in Wilton, I am very excited to work with an organization that is important to our community and to contribute to WLT’s mission of protecting the town’s land.

"I'm excited to work with the passionate individuals at the WLT this summer and learn more about conservation and stewardship." ~ Elizabeth

Clarissa Greis

My name is Clarissa Greis, and I am studying environmental science at Fordham University.

Fordham University

I grew up in Wilton and developed a love for the natural world during Girl Scout camping trips and as an apprentice at Ambler Farm. Witnessing the changes to our local land from both development and climate change, I became passionate about hands-on environmental research focused on understanding human effects on our local ecosystems.

"I’m excited for my first time working with the Wilton Land Trust and I am eager to engage in community efforts and learn more about restoring and protecting Wilton’s nature." ~Clarissa

WLT 2023-24 Wilton High School Interns

Brody Fusco

My name is Brody Fusco, I am a Wilton High School sophomore and the Wilton Land Trust's (WLT) newest intern!

I am a passionate Boy Scout, musician, and outdoor enthusiast. Since 2021, I have been actively involved with the WLT, returning year after year to contribute my time and energy to protect and preserve local landscapes. I have a special affinity for the Chestnut Meadows Nature Preserve, it's where I am working to dedicate my Eagle Scout Project this year.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to transition from volunteer to intern, eager to expand my knowledge, and make meaningful contributions towards land conservation in our community.”

Afroz Ali

My name is Afroz Ali and I am a Junoir at Wilton High School. I am a part of the Wilton High School cross-country team.

"I am excited to intern at the Wilton Land T

Anna Morello

My name is Anna Morello and I am a Junior at Wilton High School. Environmental Sustainability has always been an utmost priority for me. I hope to study environmental sciences and sustainability in college. I try to maintain a sustainable lifestyle by reducing overall consumption, purchasing mostly secondhand clothes, following a plant-based diet, and staying well-informed about our climate crisis.

I enjoy hiking, biking, and anything outdoors. Over the summer, I had the opportunity of volunteering at a Wildlife conservation center in Alaska, where we cleared invasive species from vital ecosystems and restored natural habitats. This experience solidified my interest in pursuing the environmental sciences, in college and beyond.

"I am so excited to have the wonderful opportunity to intern at Wilton Land Trust!"

Ethan Lipper

My name is Ethan Lipper; I am a junior at Wilton High School. Spending time outdoors is something that I enjoy a lot, and I try to do it whenever I have the chance. Walking my dogs, going on hikes, running, skiing, biking, and playing soccer are just a few examples of the things I like to do outdoors. Honestly, one of my favorite things is just going out and exploring nature; I enjoy finding new places, plants, wild animals, etc.
I know how important it is for me and everyone else to protect the environment so we can continue enjoying nature. By interning at the Wilton Land Conservation Trust, I hope that I can help conserve and improve the environment in which

I currently live.

"I'm looking forward to working with everyone at WLT this year!"

WLT 2023 College Summer Interns

Alessia Cawley

My name is Alessia Cawley, and I am a rising junior studying Environmental Studies and Political Science at Colgate University.

Colgate University

Within my major, I have combined these interests through classes like Environmental Policy Analysis, where I analyzed the applications of legal frameworks to current environmental crises. I have always been passionate about the environment and hope to pursue Environmental Justice/Law after graduation.

Having grown up in Wilton, "I am excited to work with the Wilton Land Trust and to be a part of such a meaningful organization that has helped me discover my passions in environmentalism. I hope to continue to make WLT increasingly interwoven in our community and look forward to working with the passionate individuals that make up the WLT team!"

Zach Schwartz

My name is Zach Schwartz and I was raised in the beautiful town of Wilton, Connecticut.

University of Vermont

"I’m returning to the University of Vermont as this fall after taking time off this past semester to work as an EMT. I’ve been attending Stewardship Sundays since last year and really enjoy the work we do there, so I’m very excited to have the opportunity to contribute even more and work with everyone at the Land Trust. "

WLT 2022-23 Wilton High School Interns

Jill Roberts

My name is Jill Roberts, and I am a Senior at Wilton High School. I have always been passionate and curious about the outdoors. I enjoy skiing, hiking, scuba diving, and sailing. I have sailed around the Caribbean for the past six summers as part of a three-week sailing camp in the British Virgin Islands. I have earned PADI scuba certifications, culminating in the PADI Master Scuba Diver certification/rating (the highest recreational level prior to professional certification). I plan to pursue marine biology, oceanography, or environmental science in college.

I'm thrilled to be returning as one of the WLCT interns!

Afroz Ali

My name is Afroz Ali and I am a sophomore at Wilton High School. I am a part of the Wilton high school cross country team.

I am passionate about wildlife and I am eager to learn more about the environment I live in. One of my favorite things to do is fishing. Fishing gives me the opportunity to explore the wilderness. Volunteering at the Norwalk River Watershed Association has given me the chance to work with people who are knowledgeable and experienced.

I am excited to intern at the Wilton Land Conservation Trust!

Anna Morello

Ethan Lipper

2021-2022 Field Ranger

2021-2022 WLT Intern

Gavin Fusco

My name is Gavin Fusco, and I am a senior at Wilton High School. I’ve always been interested in STEM-related subjects and hope to find innovative ways to solve real-world problems. I am an active member of the engineering and chemistry clubs, where I enjoy collaborating with my peers.

In 2021, I started volunteering for the Wilton Land Conservation Trust. I participated in the Stewardship Sunday Series, where we cleared walking trails and planted chestnut trees.

“What originally started as volunteer work transformed into a major learning experience, which inspired me to further my involvement within the WLCT organization as their Ranger."

In the Summer of 2021, I joined the WLCT as its Field Ranger and Open Space Steward to broaden my understanding of conservation science, assist with the administrative processes involved in land management, lead engaging workshops, and enrich the greater Wilton communit

“I look forward to continuing my collaboration with the WLCT, and in my new position, I hope to provide a fun and enriching volunteer experience for others in our community.”

Jill Roberts

My name is Jill Roberts, and I am a Junior at Wilton High School. Since the age of two, I have always been passionate and curious about the outdoors.

I enjoy skiing, hiking the Appalachian Trail, SCUBA, and sailing. I have sailed around the Caribbean for the past six years as part of a three-week sailing camp in the British Virgin Islands. I earned PADI scuba certifications, culminating in the PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba certification. I plan to pursue marine biology, oceanography, or environmental science in college.

I look forward to interning at WLCT and contributing to the preservation of Wilton’s outdoor spaces.

2021 Wilton High School WLT Interns & Field Ranger

Eli Grass — 2021 Field Ranger

& Open Space Steward

My name is Eli Grass, and I am a senior at Wilton High School. Over the years, I have immersed myself in studying our natural world. Whether it's operating and maintaining the Wilton High School greenhouse, caring for the animals of Ambler Farm, or working for the Wilton Land Conservation Trust, I'm dedicated to expanding my knowledge and preserving the environment, both locally and globally. I aspire to build and enhance a community around the environment, and when I am not working to protect the environment, I am photographing it. It's important to collaborate, which leads me to my overall goal in life, to share my work and photos with the public, hoping that it will inspire others to become involved in environmental conservation.

Julia Elmasry — 2021 Spring & Summer High School Intern

My name is Julia Elmasry, and I am a Junior at Wilton High School. I’ve lived in Wilton all my life, and I want to learn more about our community and the environment. I am a part of the Wilton Varsity Field Hockey team at the high school and the Indoor Track team. Additionally, I am involved in several clubs, including the National Honors Society, the Recycling Club, and the Marine Biology Club. I hope to study Environmental Engineering in college to learn to tackle and solve new ways to help our planet. I am excited to be interning with the Wilton Land Conservation Trust!

Sara Schneidman — 2021 Summer College Intern

My name is Sara Schneidman, and I am a rising sophomore at Hamilton College. I plan to major in biology with a concentration in ecology. I also enjoy studying Japanese, Spanish, history, and classical antiquity.
I served as a WLCT intern during the Spring of 2020. I planted wildflowers native to Ecoregion 59 as part of the Pollinator Pathway, I presented the WHS Organic Garden Club’s involvement in the Ecotype Project at the CT NOFA Conference, and I created a Google Earth tour of WLCT nature preserves in Wilton.
I have a passion for the outdoors, spending much of my free time hiking with my dog, biking, rock climbing, and skiing. I am an Outing Club trip leader at Hamilton College and certified in Wilderness First Aid.

I am excited to rejoin the WLCT to help keep Wilton’s open spaces healthy and to support the land trust's conservation and restoration efforts.

2020 Highschool Intern & Field Ranger

Eli Grass — 2021 High School Intern

Brett Gilman — 2021 Field Ranger

For almost a decade, Brett has been involved in organic agriculture and local conservation. His true love of nature and fierce passion for the environment has led him to be involved with almost all of the farming, gardening, and conservation organizations in Wilton.

As the first-ever Field Ranger and Open Space Steward at the Wilton Land Conservation Trust, Brett will be touring all of the Land Trust properties and reporting on their condition and conservation values. His findings will be essential for the future growth and prosperity of the organization as the Land Trust determines how to manage properties for the future.