It is often overwhelming for young professionals to find their footing in the environmental field, with entry-level jobs being hard to find and opportunities to gain hands-on experience difficult to access. With two degrees under my belt, I assumed securing a full-time job would be relatively straightforward. I knew I wanted to return to Vermont; I had so many positive experiences during my undergraduate years at UVM and loved the state’s recreational opportunities and natural areas. However, the job search proved more challenging than I expected. Many positions prioritized experience over education, and “entry-level” roles often required more than a year of professional experience.
Difficulty in obtaining a full-time job is a shared sentiment for many emerging professionals entering the workforce, which is why internships, service programs like AmeriCorps, and fellowships are so important to young people aspiring to develop careers in environmental fields. In 2025, Stowe Land Trust supported and trained four rising environmental professionals—myself included–through internships, the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board’s (VHCB) AmeriCorps program, and the creation of a new fellowship position.
Through these programs, the five of us found what we'd been searching for: not just experience, but a pathway forward in work that matters to us.
Nicole: Finding Her Path Through Service
When Nicole Corriveau began her service at Stowe Land Trust as the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps member, she knew she wanted to continue building her career and stay in Vermont but did not yet know what opportunities were available.
Working closely with the Stewardship Director, Nicole helped monitor conserved forests and meadows, remove invasive plants, and verify that property boundaries were clearly marked with pink flags. She facilitated volunteer workdays that brought community members together to care for the land–clearing leaf litter and dirt off bridges and popular trails, removing prickly invasive Japanese knotweed, and installing new bridges to make the Mill Trail accessible for walkers, families with strollers, and wheelchair users.
Through these experiences, Nicole was introduced to trail work, stewardship practices, and the world of conservation easements. With new insights from environmental professionals at conferences and training courses, she was able to further expand her interests, particularly in forest management.
Nicole's goal of staying in Vermont has since become a reality. She now works as an Environmental Technician in the Sites Management Section at the Agency of Natural Resources’ Department of Environmental Conservation, where she continues to build on the skills, confidence, and institutional knowledge she developed during her two years at Stowe Land Trust.
“Although my day-to-day looks quite different from my time at the land trust, the skills I learned help me land this position and directly support the work I do now,” Nicole shared.
Ada & Madelyn: From Classroom to Conservation
Through summer internships, Ada Gardner and Madelyn Lawver advanced their academic and career aspirations. Although they are at different stages in their academic journeys, they share an interest in environmental work.
Ada, a University of Vermont student studying Place-Based Education, Food Systems, and Community Development, joined Stowe Land Trust as the Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator. She spent her summer tending the garden at Stowe Elementary School with students and families, helping them plant and harvest vegetables. Ada also created naturalist scavenger hunts for kids on conserved lands, such as Wiessner Woods and the Mill Trail, sharing the history of these important properties and helping them spot butterflies, birds, and clovers.
“It was a cool experience to have the freedom to design the Learning Landscapes program while also thinking about how to attract people and make it successful,” Ada shared. She credits the internship with translating her education into practice while developing program design skills—experience she'll carry forward as she pursues place-based education focused on expanding outdoor access.
Madelyn, a senior at Stowe High School, was curious whether an environmental career was the right fit. Through her internship, she assisted with amphibian road crossing events, learned tree identification, and gained insight into the day-to-day realties of conservation work.
“Working with the Stowe Land Trust reaffirmed that I wanted to pursue Environmental Science at Brown University,” Madelyn shared. “It was a lot of fun working outside, having a mix of office work and field work, and seeing the behind-the-scenes of what an environmental job looks like.”
Amy: A Career Launched
As the inaugural Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator, I have experienced how this fellowship both supports my professional growth and advances Stowe land Trust’s mission.
With a background in Environmental Studies and Anthropology and a Master's Degree in Environmental Policy, I knew I wanted a career rooted in environmental protection and community engagement. This fellowship has allowed me to bring my interests together through guided hikes, community events, interviews, and written communications.
After just five months, I already have a clearer sense of my career direction and new skills, such as community engagement, nonprofit communications, and writing for diverse audiences, that I will carry with me.
Ashley: Beginning Her Journey
Our newest VHCB AmeriCorps member, Ashley Proteau, began her service with Stowe Land Trust in January 2026. Early in her career, she is eager to build technical skills and explore different areas of environmental work.
“I am excited to learn more about forestry, plant identification, and invasive species that are common in Vermont,” Ashley shared. She is looking forward to developing land stewardship skills and coordinating volunteer workdays—all skills that will help her excel in the environmental field.
Investing in People, Protecting the Future
One of Stowe Land Trust’s seven core values is a belief in the Next Generation, a commitment that caring for conserved lands sustains current and future generations. At the core of all this work is people. Beyond protecting and caring for lands and waters that benefit our community, Stowe Land Trust is passing the baton to young professionals who will carry this vision forward, protecting them for years to come.
"The environmental challenges ahead require passionate, skilled professionals who understand both the science and the community," says Tom Rogers, Executive Director of Stowe Land Trust. "I've watched each of these young professionals discover their voice in conservation. That transformation—from exploring the field to owning their place in it—is the future of conservation. Their creativity and new perspectives are already driving meaningful work.”
By: Amy Erle, Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator Fellow