A Warm Welcome: Summer Interns Join SHLT Staff

Spring 2024 Newsletter

We are excited to welcome two interns to South Hero for the summer, through the University of Vermont Rubenstein School’s Perennial Internship Program. These students will be learning about the unique way South Hero Land Trust combines land conservation, environmental education, and stewardship of the land while supporting our programs through on-the-ground work. We hope you will enjoy connecting with Naomi and Parker as you explore South Hero’s trails, check out our gardens, or join us at an event.

Naomi Cocker is our Outdoor Access & Stewardship Intern. Studying for her BS in Natural Resources, she is a member of UVM’s Timbersports team. She has hands-on experience in ecological restoration, through work as Invasive Species Technician for the Mad River Valley Conservation Commissions. Her studies have fostered a strong belief in the importance of providing access to the outdoors for all ages, abilities and perspectives. She recently started birding and looks forward to starting her life list! Naomi will be leading our trail stewardship efforts this summer, and working on projects to increase the accessibility the outdoors.

Parker Rouse is our Environmental Education & Stewardship Intern. Studying for his BS in Applied Ecology, he also completed an internship with the Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. Growing up in Minnesota, Parker grew up loving lakes and farms, which he’ll get plenty of in the Islands. In his free time he enjoys biking, sewing, and eating watermelon. He hopes to learn more about how to responsibly conserve natural areas while including the surrounding community in the process during his time with South Hero Land Trust. Parker will be co-leading our summer camp program with Guy, as well as caring for the South Hero Community Gleaning Garden and Folsom Learning Garden.

Naomi Cocker - Outdoor Access & Stewardship Intern

Parker Rouse - Environmental Ed & Stewardship Intern