Learn about TLC's Conservation Leader Internship Program (CLIP)
Are you a student who loves the outdoors and nature?
Are you a high school junior-senior or college student?
Do you love the outdoors or have a passion for the natural world?
Are you a member of an underrepresented community?
Join TLC in an amazing hands-on learning experience designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the field of conservation as a professional.
Who is TLC?: We are a nonprofit organization that focuses on preserving and restoring privately owned land in McHenry County Illinois. TLC also maintains a number of preserves which are open to the public and provides free/affordable educational programming for the greater McHenry area (and beyond!).
CLIP Directors:
Kim Elsenbroek: Land Conservation Specialist with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County.
Megan Oropeza: Restoration Ecologist with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County.
Program Description:
The Conservation Leader Internship Program (CLIP) is a paid summer internship that will provide underserved communities such as women and BIPOC students/youth with hand-on professional training in the field of conservation. Participants will gain experience areas such as: Plant identification, Land management, GIS/GPS training, Prescribed fire training, Herbicide use, Rare plant monitoring, Wildlife/Stream surveys, Sustainable farming techniques, Land preservation techniques, Field safety, Scientific research/Experimental design, Art in the natural world, Career development and Professional networking. Collectively, these skills will give each participant a strong understanding of the field of conservation and serve as a springboard for a professional career in the field of conservation.
Field Trips/Networking Opportunities:
Nachusa Grasslands (The Nature Conservancy)
Indiana Dunes National Park (The National Park Service)
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (United States Forest Service)
Glacial Park (McHenry County Conservation District)
McHenry County College (MCC)
Program Details: Skills gained
Plant identification
Land management
GIS/GPS training
Prescribed fire training
Herbicide use
Rare plant monitoring
Wildlife/Stream surveys
Sustainable farming techniques
Land preservation techniques
Field safety
Scientific research/Experimental design
Art in the natural world
Career development
Professional networking
Eligibility: High School Senior or Freshman/Sophomore in college. Applicants are not required to be enrolled in a college program. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
Requirements: Applicants must be willing to work in extreme weather conditions and on adverse terrain.
Transportation to TLC Headquarters (4622 Dean St. Woodstock IL) is required. Housing is preferred (*TLC may have limited housing available, inquire within).
Program duration and reimbursement: June – August 2021; 40 hours/week; $14.00/hour (***or college credit).
HOW TO APPLY: Thank you for your interest in CLIP! The application period is now closed.
Have questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at TLC for more internship details.
Want to help? Make a donation to support CLIP today!
