SUNNYSIDE, N.Y., July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This summer, twelve high school students are gaining a competitive edge in the green jobs market through Trees New York's Young Urban Forester Summer Internship Program. This 6-week, paid internship introduces students to a variety of career opportunities in the environmental field through comprehensive classroom studies, hands-on field work and interaction with community members and professionals.
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Students are developing their environmental literacy and stewardship skills through lessons on urban forest conservation, restoration and planning. Topics include tree biology, tree maintenance, plant identification, storm water runoff, climate change, the urban heat island effect and invasive species identification. Students receive a license that certifies them to legally prune trees owned by the City of New York. This official recognition motivates the interns and promotes environmental stewardship. Trees New York's partner Sunnyside Community Services is helping students develop job readiness skills including resume writing, interview techniques and job etiquette.
The 12 interns are gaining familiarity with the technologies commonly used in the environmental fields as they inventory and map street trees in Western Queens. Several guest speakers are sharing their experiences with the students including Eric Dalski, of Highview Creations, a green roof and vertical garden design-build firm.
Fun and interactive field trips bring students to unique destinations throughout the five boroughs including the Brooklyn Grange, a commercial organic farm located on a neighboring Queens's building rooftop.
I see my role in maintaining the urban forest as my part time job. No matter what I do, maintaining the environment will always be part of my to-do-list. - Winson Cai, Young Urban Forester 2012
At the close of the 6-week program, students will give a final presentation of their work to community stakeholders.
Contact Information:
Nelson Villarrubia
Deputy Director
Trees New York
51 Chambers Street, Suite 1412A
New York, NY 10007
T: (212) 227-1887
F: (212) 732-5325
[email protected]
SOURCE Trees New York
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