By Sydney Robinson

Parks & Trails New York has become an organization I’ve come to love throughout the years I have spent working alongside the growing community of people who continue to uplift and maintain our mission to expand, protect, and promote a network of parks, trails, and open space for everyone. My experience has taught me that the role of non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, universities, businesses, friends and families are fundamental to protecting and preserving our beautiful public lands.

When I first was invited to interview for the Arthur V. Savage Intern position in August 2023, I was excited to gain hands-on experience in environmental advocacy and community engagement. What I didn’t imagine would be the lasting impact PTNY would have on my academic, professional and personal life. PTNY plays a crucial role in connecting communities to the parks, trails and public lands that make New York State such a beautiful place.

As the current Arthur V. Savage Fellow (and former Arthur V. Savage Intern), this internship program has been influential during my undergraduate and graduate journey. Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to assist with a variety of events, programs and projects. In particular, coordinating Park Advocacy Day by organizing and scheduling legislative meetings at the New York State Capitol to connect dedicated park advocates and voice our need for funding; managing volunteer and host recruitment, registration and communication for all I Love My Park Day, Canal Clean Sweep, Adirondack and Catskills Park Day, and Wildlife Day; and grew the Adopt-A-Trail Program that builds relationships with families, friends, business and community groups to foster stewardship along the Erie Canal, with the support of Rebecca.

Since joining the PTNY team, I’ve gained practical experience and skills from outreach and communication to event logistics that continue to be applied as I pursue my graduate studies. The Arthur V. Savage Internship Program offers a chance for students and recent graduates to deepen their engagement in statewide initiatives that contribute to the long-term goals rooted in PTNY’s mission. Playing a role in strengthening the community relationships across New York through our volunteer program and PTNY’s partners, I watch Park Advocacy Day, the Love Our New York Lands events, our Adopt-A-Trail program and distribution of Park & Trail Partnership Grants have a strong and lasting impact on the communities they’ve serve; which amplifies the importance of non-profit organizations like Parks & Trails New York.

For those interested in exploring and/or enhancing the relationship with open spaces and communities throughout the state, I strongly encourage you to apply to the Arthur V. Savage Internship Program, to learn and connect with the people around you. Each project at PTNY makes a difference in each community, simply due to the team’s passion and love for New York’s parks, trails and the communities that utilize them.

The work of PTNY is extremely rewarding and important, and needs to be protected; and I am proud to have spent the last 2 years working alongside a small but mighty group of people, making significant contributions to society through each program, event and program.

Sound like the job for you? We’re hiring a creative and well organized intern to recruit new volunteers, engage existing stewards, and sinpire public engagement–primarily through events and community-based programs. View the full job description here.