Friends’ Garden Team Summer Internship at Sherwood Island
Tuesdays 8-11 am and Fridays 2:30-5:30 pm, May-August, 2026
We’re looking for two garden interns to assist the Friends’ Garden Team in all aspects of
planning, planting and maintaining the East Beach dunes & gardens. Interns report to the Friends’ Garden Team Captain, Michele Sorensen, a UConn Advanced Master Gardener, and work as part of a team with other UConn Master Gardeners and local volunteers. A stipend is available for qualified students ages 17-22.
We meet at the Nature Center or in the East beach dunes or parking areas. Weeks worked depend upon your availability. We are flexible. As a volunteer at a CT State Park, you would follow all CT DEEP guidance, and must sign a waiver on your first day. Rolling applications, aim for a mid-May submission.
Activities and responsibilities typically include
Learning Opportunities & Benefits
– Enjoy summer at this shorefront 235 acre state park, visited or home to more than 300
species of birds, state-listed Diamondback Terrapin, Bobcats, Red Fox, Coyote, Deer.
– Take part in our dune restoration project, begun in 2017.
– Learn to identify and care for native plants we’ve added along parking lot paths and in picnic
areas along the beach.
– Help us establish allees leading to the beach from the East Beach parking area.
– Care for berry, herb and vegetable plants in our Three Sisters Garden. Find out how they
benefit wildlife.
– Identify pollinator host shrubs and perennials in our Pollinator Garden.
– Learn to identify and control invasive plant species. Find out how they outcompete natives.
– Identify & report butterflies & other pollinator insects using iNaturalist.
– Observe and identify birds by sight and call & mammals by sight and signs.
– Mini-lesson topics include pruning, plant pathogens & soil amendments.
– Assist with programming, such as garden demonstrations and tours.
– Help us create interpretive signage in English and Spanish.
– Try out a variety of hand tools, and learn how to care for them. We can provide tools.
We Appreciate
– On-time attendance, a strong work ethic & reliability
– Enthusiasm for learning
– Previous experience with gardening or landscape work is helpful, but not required.
